Market Fire: Sanwo-Olu Visits Balogun, Reveals Govt’s Plan
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday visited Balogun Market where fire gutted buildings housing several shops, destroying multi-million naira properties.
The governor disclosed that his administration would begin the Lagos Island regeneration plan next year and that families who owned properties must cooperate with government.
Sanwo-Olu expressed sadness over the fire outbreak, and said the lessons learnt was that “we should stop storing generator and fossil fuels on penthouses and rooftops.”
He hailed all emergency responders, saying they responded swiftly to the fire that broke out 24 hours ago.
The governor thanked the people for their support and also solicited their assistance, urging property and store owners to give way to responders to do their work.
Further speaking, the Governor stated that full integrity tests shall be performed on the buildings on the left and right of number 43, Martins Street that got burnt on Tuesday.
“Plans for the regeneration of Lagos Island are already perfected and that implementation will commence next year. Families that own properties on the Island must be prepared to support government’s efforts on regeneration.
“Government will soon start a conversation on how to commence and proceed. Lagos Island is dominated by buildings of over a century. Those weakened by old age will be pulled down during the regeneration,” he said.
He stated that the government would commence the construction of Oluwole phase II soon and that government would build modern market to ensure that commerce began at an even higher scale with a better organized and modern way of transacting businesses.
Sanwo-Olu condoled with the traders on their losses and means of livelihoods, which he assured would only be for a short time.
Also, the Governor promised that government would do an enumeration of the traders, businesses, and property owners, for possible compensation.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated the need for the people to desist from storing fossil fuels. He said that the government was working with the two DISCOS in Lagos to further enhance supply of regular electricity power to the Island.