The Lagos State government has begun documenting informal urban spaces across the state under its Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP).

Wasiu Olayinka, lermanent secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

SCRAMP, an initiative of the state government, aims to bring structure, transparency and accountability to informal spaces across the state.

Mr Olayinka said the initiative, implemented through the ministry, was designed to protect land required for present and future infrastructure while promoting orderly physical development.

The permanent secretary said the project was in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 (as amended).

He said Octragon Multi-Projects Ltd., a development company, had been engaged to identify, document and manage setbacks, common areas, roadsides and other informal urban spaces.

This, he said, was in collaboration with the Lagos State Informal Management Authority (LASISMA).

According to him, the exercise will address the indiscriminate occupation, illegal conversion and unregulated use of public spaces, which hinder the implementation of approved physical development plans.

‘’After mapping more than 1,700 SCRAMP locations across the state and carrying out stakeholder engagement over the past six months, the government has begun the documentation phase of the project.

‘’The exercise will create an accurate inventory of informal spaces and provide a framework for their effective management, harmonisation and optimal utilisation,‘’ he said.

Mr Olayinka added that existing occupants or users of informal spaces would enjoy the right of first refusal, subject to compliance with relevant guidelines and verification of their claims.

He also stated that new applicants could be considered for temporary occupation, licences or other approved forms of occupancy, as determined by the ministry.

The permanent secretary directed existing occupants of setbacks, common areas and other informal spaces to present documents supporting their occupation or use for verification.

He also invited individuals, organisations and businesses interested in occupying identified informal spaces to submit applications through the SCRAMP portal or designated offices of Octragon Multi-Projects Ltd. and LASISMA across the state.

Mr Olayinka urged residents and stakeholders to cooperate with the exercise.

‘’This will promote orderly urban development, protect public infrastructure, enhance environmental sustainability and ensure the optimal use of public spaces,’’ he said.

The permanent secretary quoted the government’s slogan for the initiative as: “In Lagos, Every Square Metre of Land Matters.” 

(NAN)