In a bid to ensure that the state maintains its high developmental standard, Lagos State Government has announced a 40 percent rebate on Planning Permit payment to Lagosians.
Speaking at a news briefing on Wednesday to mark the first year of the second term in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Bagauda Khaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide noted that the measure was to encourage property owners in the State to do the right thing by ensuring their properties pass all official procedures.
He also noted that the governor had granted a 90-day amnesty period to owners/developers of existing property to regularise them and help in promoting sustainable physical environment.
Dr, Olumide said that the Amnesty initiative would allow owners and developers of existing buildings to obtain planning permits without the payment of statutory penal fees within the amnesty window from May 2 to July 30, 2024, with a 5% discount applicable to payments completed within ten working days of the bill’s issuance.
The Commissioner described the incentives, that is the rebate to civil servants and the Amnesty Programme, as a relief measure to mitigate the effects of the current economic hardship being experienced in the built environment, and applicants are expected to submit all relevant documents for assessment through the LASPPPA Head Office and District Offices in the 57 Local Government areas and Local Council Development Areas.
He said, “Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led administration is not leaving any stone unturned in bequeathing a Lagos Smart City that is premised on a sustainable functional Physical Environment, achievable only by wholesale compliance with regulatory requirements.
“the administration which is people-oriented and compassionate in formulating policies that favour inclusiveness, ease of compliance, and citizens’ participation has given the 40 percent rebate in planning permit for Civil Servants to get more and more of them to experience the process and become wilful advocates of the good works of the government in the sector and also the Amnesty Window of three months that we just opened last week to allow planning permit applications from owners of existing developments without payment of the statutory penalty is a good case in point.
“For emphasis, the window opens from May 2nd to July 30th, 2024, when the waiver on penalty payments on existing developments shall subsist.
The Commissioner, despite requesting the appreciation of the general public to Mr Governor on this gesture, warned that non compliance would draw the wrath of the government that is positioned to do that which is good for the largest number of Lagosians.
He stated that the administration would not compromise the safety of every individual in the State.
According to Dr Olumide, “I therefore solicit the continued cooperation of the general public to adhere strictly to the Physical Planning Laws of Lagos State by following the standard steps to the planning and construction of buildings to promote safety and orderly, livable, and sustainable environment for the wellness and wellbeing of the people.
“Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged every officer under this responsibility to take the life of every Lagosian as important as theirs and be steadfast in discharging their duties to ensure no further collapse of buildings, neither should there be the loss of any life.
“With this rebate and after the 90-Day Amnesty, any property that falls on the wrong side of physical planning laws shall face the consequences squarely,” he stressed.
The Commissioner highlighted some of the activities embarked upon by the Office of Physical Planning, including over 74% rate in the grant of Planning Permits in the last one year and the preparation and review of Master Plans and Model City Plans such as the Lagos Island Model City Plan and Alimosho Model City Plan.
Others are the preparation of 9 Action Area Plans, 9 Development Guide Plans and the delivery of the right of way for 16 public infrastructure projects in the State.
In a related development, the Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, who also addressed the media, said the regeneration of the Adeniji Adele Estate on Lagos Island to make it a livable community will commence soon, noting that the Estate was in a sordid state and no longer suitable for human habitation.
Dr Babatunde said similar arrangement was in place for Obalende in Eti Osa council area with an assurance to landlords that they would not lose their property.
The Special Adviser said efforts were on to ensure urban renewal of Dosumu market on Lagos Island recently affected by fire.
Dr Babatunde said physical planning processes had been automated to make approval process transparent.
In his words, “The e-GIS Office (LAGIS) fully takes over the responsibility of supervising and project
managing the Lagos enterprise GIS upgrade and integrated land administration automated system.
“Thereafter, ensure the institutionalization of enterprise geographic information service statewide, up to the creation of an agency called the Lagos Geographic Information Service (LAGIS), particularly the processes leading up to the passage of its bill by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“To ensure a smooth implementation process, stakeholders and the public will be engaged through a series of retreats and sensitization programs. This will foster a better understanding of the importance of the bill and the benefits of the Electronic Physical Planning Process System. With this innovative system, Lagos State is poised to become a leader in digital governance and efficient urban planning.” He reiterated.
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