Posted by By MIKE JIMOH on
Lagosians will at O-hour today hear a series of explosions when the partially collapsed Bank of Industries (BOI) building on 67/ 71 Broad Street finally crumbles to its foundation.
Lagosians will at O-hour today hear a series of explosions when the partially collapsed Bank of Industries (BOI) building on 67/ 71 Broad Street finally crumbles to its foundation.
The choreographed explosions will implode the structure that collapsed on March 22, 2006.
According to the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, in a pre-demolition broadcast, the demolition exercise will 'ensure maximum safety, security and protection of life and property.'
To douse unnecessary worries by residents, the governor stated that 'evacuation drills have already been carried out with local residents, fire service, ambulance service and security agencies in the preceding weeks to simulate the rallying points where shelter and other logistic support will be provided until it is safe for residents to return to their respective properties.'
To further ensure a controlled demolition exercise, the governor disclosed that buildings within a respectable radius (15, 500sq metres) of the BOI building have been acquired by the state government in the interest of the public.
The entire area between inner Marina, Martins Street, Breadfruit Street, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street and Custom Street to Marina has been prepared for evacuation from 0600 hours on the day of the exercise, Governor Fashola also said.
The sum of US$150 million has already been taken by 'an insurance firm against risk contingent, as well as workmen compensation scheme for operational staff during the exercise.'
Already, notice of the demolition has been published in five Nigerian languages throughout the state, plus information on the eight roads that will be closed to traffic during the exercise. Lagosians have also been advised by the state chief executive to be law abiding and follow carefully the instructions given by identified officials throughout the exercise.