Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Lagos State governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said as part of efforts to put a stop to buildings collapse in the state, his administration would implement urban renewal programmes.
The governor-elect, who was accompanied by the deputy governor-elect, Femi Hamzat, on a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House, Abuja, while noting that urban renewal policy has always posed a challenge for successive governments in the state, said he would approach the programme with human face, by earning the trust of the people, rather than clamping down on their property.
Asked what he would do differently to the issue of building collapse, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that many of the buildings in the state are now obsolete, especially as most of them were constructed when the state was a colony under the British administration.
He said he would start with proper enumeration of buildings in the state, while entering into agreement with the property owners.
He said: “The recent building collapse is an unfortunate incident. Even when I was serving in government, I used to be the vice chairman on issues that had to do with building collapse.
“It was about 10 years ago, which is what led to creating the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA. It was meant to identify structures well ahead before issues like this begin to happen.”
Sanwo-Olu also met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the State House.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his commitment to make Lagos the economic capital of the black race.
The incoming governor said his administration will consolidate on the infrastructure programme of the current administration to improve economic activities and the standard of living of the people.
He said his economic programme would be predicated on driving growth through inclusion, and creating investment opportunities for local and foreign investors, in order to generate employment for the youths.