The Lagos State Government has said that erecting structures on open spaces all over the State is illegal and must stop.
The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako disclosed this, on Thursday, during his meeting with members of the Williams Estate Residents Association, Akowonjo, who came to follow up an earlier complaint of encroachment on open spaces by some residents within the Estate.
The Commissioner stated that, by law, open spaces are important for the sustainability of the environment and the well being of the people, noting that at no time should the entire landscape be utilised for building structures alone.
According to him, it is essential for residents to protect spaces reserved for other meaningful uses such as greenery, recreation and air space, as against complete use of land solely for building purposes.
He commended the Association for alerting the government on the encroachment, saying that other estates and residences should take a cue from this patriotic act because the people are the ultimate beneficiaries of an organised, livable and sustainable Lagos.
“Having received and investigated the petition from Williams Estate, the Ministry has commenced the process of removal of the contravening structures illegally built on an open space reserved for recreation in the estate”, he said.
Salako emphasised that the government would leave no stone unturned in the bid to restore the glory of a well-planned State, hallmarked by recreation parks, gardens, beautified open spaces and other important services necessary for a functional physical environment.
He added that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has been strengthened for unbiased enforcement of the physical planning laws.
In a related development, the Commissioner revealed that the Ministry recently sealed eight buildings, including a church, fuel station, warehouse and container terminal in Surulere for violating physical planning laws of the State.