LASBCA to developers: Failure to get certification will attract penalties

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) has warned developers/home builders and owners that failure to get completion and fitness for habitation’s certification would attract penalties from the agency.

According to a statement signed by the General Manager of LABSCA, Gbolahan Oki, an architect, the agency’s quality control mechanism and compliance level will translate to a radical, meaningful and positive attitudinal change of owners/developers in the construction industry to achieve the state’s vision of zero-tolerance for building collapse.

Besides, the agency hinted it will launch a rebranded Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation to owners or developers of buildings that have satisfied the requirements for building construction.

Oki stated the certificate will be issued to owners of new buildings that have passed through all stages of construction and certified by LASBCA professionals.

Oki noted that existing old buildings that have successfully carried out the Non-Destructive Structural Integrity Test conducted by Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory and deemed stable will also be certified.

He restated that the building codes stipulate close monitoring of every stage of construction by the agency’s officials comprising of builders, architects, structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers from laying the foundation through external works and fittings until the building is completed.

Stressing that the certificate is backed up with a security barcode and can be verified on the agency’s website, Oki averred that it would not only add value to the building but could also be used as collateral in obtaining a bank facility.

The general manager also explained that the certificate would give assurance to the would-be occupants on their safety because it is an indication that the completed structure was built according to design specifications and, therefore, safe for habitation.

Oki enjoined any would-be tenant or property buyer to request for the certificate from the landlord or owner of the building before payment of their rents or conclusion of property transaction to ensure that the building is indeed safe.

He further called on all building owners/developers in the state to take necessary steps before commencing their building construction by obtaining all approvals, inviting LASBCA for inspection and obtaining the Certificate once the project is completed.

Oki emphasised that LASBCA, under his guidance, is poised to take the state to greater heights through enhanced, broad-based participatory planning and constructive engagement with the citizenry, professional bodies and stakeholders in the building industry.