Residents Cry Out As Construction In Victoria Island Puts Lives, Property At Risk

Residents and business owners on Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, have raised alarm over a new multi-floor construction at No. 28, which they say poses serious risks to lives and property in the neighbourhood.

The project, being handled by Diplomat Homes Limited and allegedly owned by a prominent individual has come under criticism for failing to meet basic safety standards.

According to neighbours, the developers have not provided essential safeguards such as barricades, safety nets, and protective coverings that are mandatory when building next to occupied properties.

As a result, debris from the site — including planks, stones, and metal fittings — has reportedly crashed into adjoining compounds, damaging cars, walls, ceilings, and windows sources say.

Those in the know say that the situation has become a daily hazard, with fears mounting that lives could be lost if urgent intervention is not carried out.

“We are living in fear every day. Planks and pebbles keep falling into our compounds, and sometimes narrowly miss people walking around. The damage to cars and offices is already bad enough, but what if someone is killed?” one of the affected residents lamented.

The concerned residents questioned why the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), which is responsible for monitoring building works across the state, has not moved to stop the violations at the site.

They also appealed to the Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, to intervene immediately to avert what they described as a “disaster in waiting.”

The affected persons stressed that they are not against development in the area, but stressed that construction should follow due process and comply with safety regulations to protect existing occupants and properties.