The Lagos state government is planning a dialogue with developers and property owners to discuss ways to address distressed buildings in the state.

The commissioner for physical planning and urban D

Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

The statement was issued by Mukaila Sanusi, the deputy director, public affairs unit of the ministry.

Mr Olumide said the meeting slated for November would discuss solutions to the problem of distressed buildings.

He added that the proposed strategic dialogue meeting would be a game changer in the sector by offering technical support, providing viable alternatives to demolition, and combating the menace of distressed buildings in the state.

Mr Olumide said the government was worried about the increasing number of distressed buildings in Lagos.

He said the ministry would offer technical support to developers and owners of distressed buildings.

He said the ministry would help with the design and remodelling of distressed buildings.

“The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving remodeling of existing buildings to providing technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on design and remodeling of such buildings.

“Buildings have their lifespans and should be continuously maintained as the lifespans approach rather than being left to degenerate to the level of distress and eventual collapse, which are inimical to a safe and sustainable environment,” he said.

(NAN)