Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has expressed its concern about the use of underage persons on construction sites in Lagos, noting that the rampant practice is worrisome and must be stopped.
The General Manager of LASPPPA, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike, disclosed this while speaking on the report of an enforcement exercise carried out by the Monitoring and Compliance Unit of the Authority, maintaining that the trend is common in most construction sites across the State.
While stating that the Authority frowns at the despicable act, the General Manager called on Property Owners and Developers to desist from using children as labourers at their construction sites which, according to him, is tantamount to child abuse.
Osinaike lamented the negative effect of child abuse and exploitation, stressing that such practices deprive the children of their childhood apart from subjecting them to strenuous work that is also mentally, physically, socially and morally harmful to their well-being.
The General Manager also advised all Property Owners and Developers in Lagos State to always seek the services of experienced professionals in the built sector before embarking on any projects as against using quacks.
On his part, the Director, Monitoring and Compliance U
nit, Tpl. Iyiola Olarinde, said apart from the child-labourer issue, there is also a need to be security conscious about those engaged to work on sites, adding that employers should get detailed information, particularly about where they live and their next-of-kin.
He enjoined builders to ensure that all employees at construction sites make use of appropriate safety kits including helmets, safety boots and reflective jackets among others.
