AUTHORIZATION LETTER TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION, A MUST FOR BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS – LASBCA
Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has called on all builders and developers in the state to ensure that they obtain a letter of authorisation to commence construction before embarking on the construction of building projects in any part of the State.
The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki stated this on the sideline of the presentation of the Letter of Authorisation to developers of the Lagos Arena at a groundbreaking ceremony by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the weekend.
Oki noted that the letter of authorization to commence construction of buildings in the state can only be issued to developers and builders after obtaining necessary building/planning permits, stressing that it is a document to show that LASBCA officials are fully aware of the development and will be conducting regular supervisions at every stage of the development.
He disclosed that at the issuance of the letter of authorization to commence construction to developers, a green sticker is also issued which lawfully enables LASBCA to carry out stage-by-stage inspection on building construction from foundation to completion to certify that such buildings are fit, secure and habitable for occupants and owners.
Oki said, “Before the commencement of any building construction in Lagos State, owners/developers must approach LASBCA with their Building Plan Approval where Letter of Authorization to Commence Construction will be issued to them.”
“The Letter of Authorization will enable the LASBCA professional team comprising of Builders, Architects, and Engineers, amongst others to carry out stage-by-stage inspections of the building construction from foundation to completion level, thereafter on completion of the project, a Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation will be issued to the owner of the building”, he added.
Oki also used the opportunity to warn producers of building materials, especially block makers against reducing the quality of the materials because of the high cost of cement and other reinforcement materials used in the construction industry, stating that doing so will harm the structural integrity of new buildings being constructed.
He urged the building public to always build by the rules as this will make the building process seamless and they should also invite LASBCA for stage-by-stage inspection of their building constructions after the Letter of Authorization to Commence Construction has been issued to them.