Lagos introduces e-planning permit

As part of measures to keep pace with trends and global best practices, Lagos State has introduced an online platform that allows building developers, professionals and members of the public seeking planning permits, to apply electronically.

This comes as the government has confirmed the reopening of Lekki Gardens Estate, saying the tenants now have free access to their homes.

“What we did was to seal the buildings, but the governor demanded that the buildings should be unsealed. The tenants have been given the permission to return to their houses,” said Wasiu Anifowoshe, state commissioner for physical planning and urban development, on Tuesday.

Anifowoshe, however, explained that the result of the integrity test conducted on buildings within the Lekki Gardens Estate, where a building collapsed in March, would be released subsequently by the state government.

“The integrity test was conducted by the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory and the result of the test would have been submitted to the governor. It is the governor who has the right to announce the result of the test,” he said.

The new platform, according to Anifowoshe, who unveiled it on Tuesday, allows users to upload design drawings and other prerequisites.

The platform also enables the payment of statutory fees through internet banking or other online platforms using credit or debit cards and schedule site inspections.

“Applicants can now apply online and enjoy accelerated services towards the grant of planning permits for developments within the state from the comfort of their offices and homes.

“Consultants, developers and homeowners can visit the planning permit website @www.lagosepp.co.ng and interact with a secure and user-friendly planning permit system,” said Anifowoshe at a news conference in Ikeja.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government had awarded contract for the preparation of master plans for such areas as Kosofe, Oshodi, Isolo, Ikorodu and Epe, which had been left out in previous development plans.

“Virtually all areas of the state have had one form of development plan or the other except Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikorodu and Epe. But contract has now been awarded for preparation of development plans for these areas,” he said.

He noted that in the effort to forestall building collapse and attendant loss of lives, the government undertook the examination of properties, during which 500 buildings were discovered to either be defective or abandoned across the state.

“We have evacuated the occupants. We have sealed the buildings. It cost the government huge amount of money to pull down any building. And the government cannot put all its money in demolition alone. That was why we have decided to embark on the exercise in phases.

“The buildings we have identified were the ones we know are dangerous for habitation. And we have given the owners three months ultimatum, that is up till June 3, 2016, to correct the errors,” he said.