Lagos government to demolish structures under high-tension cables

The Lagos State Government, LASG, has ordered owners of structures under high tension cables to remove them within seven days.

The LASG said buildings on the Right of Way, ROW, of high-tension electricity cables were dangerous, illegal and a source of serious concern to government.

Giving the warning in a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Anifowoshe Abiola, said, “The state Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010, not only prohibits building under the centre-line of over-head electricity wires, it also in very clear terms specified the distance to be observed between a property and a public utility such as the PHCN high tension cables.

“Building or conducting business under high tension power lines constitutes a danger that could have fatal consequences.

“The required setback for buildings from the centre-line of over-head wires and horizontal distance between such buildings of not less than six metres for 11KV wire lines, while nine metres is the recommended distance for 33KV wire lines.

“Furthermore, the recommended setback for 132KV wire lines is 15 metres, while a 22.5-metre setback is recommended for 330KV power line.

“The state government through its relevant ministries and agencies will henceforth enforce applicable law strictly by removing all development and activities encroaching on the Right of Way of utilities and services.

“Failure to adhere to the directive would lead to the removal of such structures by government at a cost to be borne by owners, developers or occupiers of such buildings,” the statement added.

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