By LUQMON BALOGUN, Lagos

Lagos State Government has sealed about 19 additional buildings in the highbrow Banana Island in the Ikoyi area of the State for lack of building Permit and other infractions of the physical planning law.

This is in furtherance of its efforts to control physical development and engender livable and sustainable environment in the state.

The figure according to the government brings the total of properties sealed in the axis to 34 since the commencement of the exercise on Wednesday.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, who led the exercise stated that the Government would not allow people to violate planning laws to the detriment of the well-being of the society which would be compromised by unorganised, unapproved and illegal developments.

Salako reiterated government effort towards enforcing compliance of planning laws which he said was in the interest of the sustainable growth and development of the state.

He decried the observed encroachment by some developers on the right of way and alignment of the proposed Lagoon Highway, whilst vowing to nip the unhealthy development in the bud.

He however warned developers who are fond of engaging in contravention of the law to henceforth desist from such illegal practice or face the wrath of the law.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Hon. Ganiyu Ayuba, warned that real estate developers must desist from breaking government seals on properties sealed for infractions as such illicit act was capable of being interpreted as an affront to the authorities and would be met with stiff penalties just like the State Government would not tolerate any obstruction of its officials on lawful assignments.

The special enforcement activity which is a joint exercise between the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State Building Control Agency and the Special Operations Team in the Governor’s Office continues next week. (VON)