Fire: Buildings that fail integrity test ‘ll be demolished — Sanwo-Olu

FOLLOWING a recent fire outbreak at the Lagos Island Market affecting several buildings, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, insisted that more buildings will be demolished to allow for proper clean-up of the Dosumu Market and environs.

At least one person has been confirmed dead in the inferno.

Sanwo-Olu, who said his administration would no longer tolerate any act of negligence and indiscipline, spoke when he visited the scene with some members of the State Executive Council.

The governor had earlier ordered a stop of commercial activities in all markets in the Lagos Central Senatorial District.

Sanwo-Olu, who described the disaster as ‘preventable’, blamed it on carelessness.

He said: “This is very unfortunate. This fire started on Tuesday and first responders were activated.

“We thought it was something we could control in the first couple of hours but, unfortunately, our people have been very reckless, and they denied the first responders access.

“So even 48 hours after, this is still an active disaster site. About 14 buildings have been affected but more might still go down after the extensive fit-for-purpose test that will be conducted soon.

“What I have seen here could have been prevented. We don’t have a full report yet, so I don’t want to speculate, but the initial report said the fire resulted from gross carelessness and people not understanding what it means to keep the environment safe, we will conduct a proper extensive audit into what led to this.

“We also notice that a lot of residential apartments have been converted into warehouses with inflammable materials kept in them.

“This is unacceptable; we will not allow a few people, who will not comply with our laws, to put the lives of others in danger.

“I announced yesterday (Wednesday) that all markets around will be closed until we can do full assessments and proper clean up of this area. And without any doubt, some other buildings will go down.

“So, this is a call to others outside that the government will not shy away from its responsibility, we will come hard on structures and property that will not confirm to our rules and bring them down.

“I will shut this place for as long as it takes, there will be zero tolerance all around here.”