The Lagos State Government has restated its call for a sustainable attitude to engender a livable built environment.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, to commemorate the year 2022 World Environment Day, noting that the global celebration of the day constituted a clarion call for a sustainable attitude towards the built environment.
His words: “No doubt, the human element is germane in what becomes of our earth. Therefore, let every one of us in the various relationships we share with this benevolent matter, be it professionals in the built environment, decision-makers or land users, retune ourselves towards cultivating the right attitude that will promote livability and protect the Earth”.
Reflecting on the theme of the Y2022 celebration: “Only One Earth”, Salako urged Lagosians not to bastardise the Earth but protect its alluring features and discharge their responsibilities towards its sustainability.
“The day also reminds us of the responsibility we all share towards the sustainability of our avuncular host, housing our civilisations, symbolised by the physical developments and all their trappings”, he said. Salako averred that building collapse experienced in the State in recent times is an aberration and needless distraction, which must be corrected by all, acting in unison to promote livability, sustainability and an organised environment.
His words: “In the built environment, it behoves us to adopt an attitude of compliance to regulations and endeavour to build right by doing the needful, including obtaining Planning Permits before building, subjecting building construction to Stage Supervision by LASBCA and getting the Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation before moving into any building”. The Commissioner maintained that under no pretext should anyone encourage illegality by behaving contrary to the dictates of the physical planning laws or even attempting to compromise the process. Dr. Salako assured that the Lagos State Government will, on its part, continue to promote sustainable planning, strengthen monitoring and enforcement and uphold its determination to bequeath a 21st Century Economy for the State.