KWEPA Orders Demolition of Distressed Building In Ilorin
Stephen Okufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has sealed up a dilapidated one-storey building located in the Oke-Suna area of the Ilorin East Local Government Area, while ordering its immediate demolition for posing a serious threat to lives and property.
The enforcement action followed complaints from members of the community, who alerted the Agency that the building had become structurally unsafe and was at risk of imminent collapse, thereby endangering residents and passers-by.
The reports prompted KWEPA to undertake an immediate inspection and enforcement exercise to avert disaster.
During the operation, an elderly resident informed KWEPA officials that the community had repeatedly drawn the attention of the property owner to the deteriorating condition of the building, adding that despite several warnings and appeals, the owner had failed to take necessary remedial measures.
Reacting to the report, the General Manager of KWEPA, Hon. Jide Aina, described the condition of the building as a grave danger to public safety and directed the owner to commence its immediate demolition.
He warned that failure to comply with the directive would leave the State Government with no option than to demolish the structure in the interest of protecting lives and property.
Hon. Aina reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to safeguarding residents through proactive environmental enforcement, strict compliance with safety regulations, and timely removal of environmental hazards capable of causing avoidable tragedies.
He also called on residents across the state to continue supporting the government’s efforts by promptly reporting abandoned buildings, distressed structures, environmental nuisances, and other hazards to KWEPA for swift intervention.
