The government of Lagos state, has emphasized on its commitment towards the implementation of its policy of zero tolerance to all illegal physical developments.
The State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako who regretted encroachment on ecological zones in the state, said that the step was necessary to preserve and guide against the misuse and abuse of all greenbelts, gorges, water bodies, wetlands and other vulnerable natural landscapes.
The commissioner assured that the ministry is at the forefront of efforts to attain an orderly, organised, sustainable and livable environment by maintaining studious application of the state policies and operative development plans, especially at this period of global environmental challenges typified by the CoVID- 19 pandemic.
Dr. Salako disproved claims that the Ministry granted a permit for housing development along with the Magodo Greenbelt Area of Lagos State, which has generated controversy in recent time.
“The Ministry nor any of its agencies received or granted a permit for any housing development in the greenbelt area of Magodo. This is because doing so is tantamount to outright contravention of the State Planning and Development Control Laws, which are the principles and major instruments to bestowing a balanced and sustainable environment to distinguished Lagosians”.
He urged anyone with contrary information to the above to feel free to approach the Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee, which is open to receive complaints from members of the public on infractions relating to the built environment.
“Any frivolous claim alleging the involvement of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in this unwholesome development is deliberate and indeed malicious defamation, which lacks substance or proof,” he stated.
Meanwhile Dr. Salako has urged residents to report any ongoing construction activities in their neighborhood within this period. He stated that the state would severely sanction any construction company guilty of breaking the state’s law on development control.
