Lagos to Demolish Buildings under Power Installations

•  Gives owners 7-day ultimatum

Gboyega Akinsanmi

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it would start demolishing all buildings erected under high-tension power installations in the state for contravening its Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2010.

Consequently, it has directed all owners, occupiers or developers of such buildings to quit within seven days, noting that it had resolved to establish zero tolerance for all structures built under high tension cables across the state.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Abiola Anifowoshe disclosed this in a statement he personally signed, noting that building on the right of way of high-tension electricity cable “are dangerous, illegal and a source of serious concern to the state government.”

In his statement, the commissioner noted that building or conducting business under high tension power installations “constitute a danger that could have fatal consequences if prompt action is not taken.”

He said the state’s Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010 did not only prohibit building under the centre-line of over-head electricity wires, but also in very clear terms specify the distance to be observed between a property and a public utility such as the PHCN high tension cables

He said the state government, through its relevant ministries and agencies “will henceforth, enforce applicable law strictly by removing all development and activities encroaching on the right of way of utilities and services.”

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