By Adebayo Miracle
A regeneration plan has been disclosed by the Lagos State Government for Obalende towards achieving a megacity status within the state. This was made known by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development,Tpl DR. Idris Salako, at a stake holder- engagement forum on the Obalende Blighted Community Regeneration Project which was organized by the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA).
In his words, he pinpointed the fact that the state government is proactive and will continue to ensure setting up of all possible mechanism to prevent and reduce the case of collapse building in Lagos. Emphasizing on the current state of Obalende and how it does not fit into the megacity vision for the state, he said “To this end, the present administration is going to carry out an overhaul of key areas in the state that this regeneration exercise is not peculiar to Obalende community. Consequently, buildings without approvals will eventually give way in the course of the exercise”.
The special adviser to the governor on Lands and physical planning, Dr. Jide Babatunde, also comment on the government’s readiness to work with the Obalende community to achieve meaningful and productive result and at the same time protecting the interests of the residents.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Ayuba also in the same vein explained that the governor of the state administration is committed to the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda, which is a good print in the development of Lagos state.
In the general manger welcome remarks, Ms Ajibike Shomade, explained that the government has no intention of chasing away any resident of the Obalende community through this regeneration plan, but it is only aiming at making Lagos a 21st century Economy as stated in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda. Adding that In order to maintain and achieve this agenda, the regeneration of obalende into a modern community is what will be enjoyed by all and it is imperative the work is done together for a greater Lagos.
The general manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) Arc, Gbolahan Oki, also urged the builders in the community to get the necessary documents before starting a building projects and also saying that the government is not out to claim their land but replan the area as a matter of urgency. In his words, he added that if adequate planning mechanisms are not put to place, the people may experience their worst fear, as there are houses within the area that are not approved and the state government frowns at.
The Eti Osa II constituency in Lagos state house of assembly (LSHA) was also represented by Mr Olukorede Yishau where he spoke on the stakeholder’s engagement being a lofty idea that would explain the government’s plans to the constituents and also observing that some interventions are already going on in Ikoyi- Obalende.
Mr Patrick Forster, a second generation resident of Obalende and also a stakeholder in attendance, urged the government to bring residents up in speeding the template for regeneration of Obalende adding thatmany home owners in the community are already embarked on restructuring their home towards achieving a different Obalende Axis.
Gracing the events also, were other members of the Lagos state House of Assembly, religious leaders, opinion leaders, community leaders among others.