The Lagos State government has ordered the immediate stoppage of approval for structures above three floors in Ebute-Metta East and West.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Idris Salako, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

“The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority ( LASPPPA) has been directed to stop taking applications for approval above three floors in the area,” Mr Salako said.

He explained that the low-lying nature of Ebute-Metta and its negative impact on some of the buildings, most of which showed serious defects, made it mandatory for the government to apply extraordinary measures to safe lives and property.

“The government has been compelled to invoke the relevant sections of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, as amended, to address the crisis.

“The soil and topography, the low water level and effects as well as the inability of structures in this area to bear loads above three floors were considered in arriving at this decision,” Mr Salako said.

He called for the understanding of stakeholders, stressing the decision is in the best interest of the state.

The state has recorded three incidents of building collapse across the Yaba, Ebute-Metta and Okota areas, with 15 lives lost in two separate events in the first five months of 2022.

(NAN)