LASEMA has declared the Burnt Iponri Estate unsafe and has taken measures to seal off the affected building.
Following the recent fire outbreak at Progressive Estate, Abule Nla, situated on Desalu Street, Iponri, Surulere Local Government Area, the Lagos State Government, acting through LASEMA, has initiated the closure pending structural integrity tests.
Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, issued the directive during his visit to the site over the weekend, specifically Block Five and Six within Progressive Estate.
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He urged residents to prioritize the safety of their lives and property, emphasizing the dangers of storing combustible materials at home.
Oke-Osanyintolu reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to safety, stating that if the building fails the structural assessment, it will be demolished.
He urged residents to comply with safety regulations set by the Lagos State government to protect lives and property, particularly during the harsh weather conditions prone to fire outbreaks.
Regarding the cause of the fire, Mr. Shamsideen Lawal, a resident of the estate, attributed it to an electricity surge in one of the flats.
He recounted the significant losses suffered by affected residents, including one individual who almost attempted suicide due to the extensive damage to their property and finances.
The fire, which occurred around 1:30 am on Friday, affected a block of six flats.
Residents reported gas cylinder explosions and significant damage to property worth millions of naira.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the slow response from the federal fire service, highlighting the timely intervention of LASEMA in their rescue efforts.