Lagos State Goverment on Thursday said it is set to deconstruct the remaining two high-rise buildings surrounding the 21-storey structure that collapsed in 2021 at Gerrad Road, Ikoyi, noting that investigation showed that they failed to pass integrity test.
The government made the disclosure through relevant ministries and agencies during a press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako in company of others stated that it is duty of the State Government to ensure safety at all times.
It was also gathered that the deconstruction exercise would last for not less than 90 days.
There had been a 21-storey building situated on Gerard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos that collapsed on November 1, 2021, killing at least 42 persons including the contractor.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) said before a coroner’s inquest into the collapse that construction of there are three high-rise blocks at the site before provisional approval was granted.
The counsel for LASBCA, A.S Odugbemi, made the assertion while questioning Muritala Olawale, the Managing Director of Prowess Engineering Nigeria Ltd.
Speaking on Thursday during the briefing on proposed demolition, Salako explained that the State government is concerned about safety.
In response to a question on what happens to the ground zero and compensation for those that had paid for floors, Salako said it was not the business of government to determine what happens to the boyers.
He noted, “We’re not selling properties, they didn’t pay to the government, they paid to private developers.
“I feel sad because of the people who died. The lesson to be drawn from this, when we want to patronize developers, we seek the advice of professionals to take care of our interest who will give you the right advice. One of the things is insurance.
He however noted, “What the Government wants to find out is the reason for the failure and come with solution to prevent future occurrence. About the payment, it is not our business. I assume the company still exists, I assume the people who made the payment will seek leagl means.”
While speaking during the briefing, the contractor who is going to handle the project, Theophilus Lewo said, “We need to take care of the buildings once and for all. It’s a safety project not demolition; it’s deconstruction. You all know when you’re building, you construct but when do the opposite, you deconstruct.
“You’re taking every portion down; we will strip the building piece by piece,” he noted.
While speaking on possibility of any danger, Lewo said, “If there is a hazard that is likely to happen, as we work, we talk about it so that people get prepared.”
