The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has amended the law on the upgrade of slums in the state.
The governor on Monday signed a bill to amend Section 50 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Development Law 2010.
Fashola, during an event to mark the signing of the bill into law at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, explained that the amendment of the law became necessary to allow the government continue slum upgrade after the completion of the World Bank assisted Lagos Metropolitan and Urban Development and Governance Project.
He said, "Following the winding up of the World Bank assisted LMDGP, in 2014, we need to continue in our urban renewal efforts.
"So, we have amended the Section 50 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010 in order to do that."
The governor said the amended law would empower Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority, an agency created by the law of the state, to take over the upgrade of slums and other uncompleted projects by LMDGP.
He added, "The agency will immediately commence slum regeneration and building redevelopment such as the reconstructed Oluwole market in Lagos Island Local Government, construction of some blocks of flats at Adeniji Adele Estate and Ijora Badia, among others."
Speaking earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, stated that at inception, the law had specified that only a town planner can head LASURA.
He added that with the amendment, the government could appoint individuals with relevant experience to head the agency.
PUNCH
