Worried by frequent fire disasters and other avoidable tragedies, the Lagos State government has directed filling stations in the state to install Close Circuit Camera TV (CCTV) in their stations and other safety facilities.
Other facilities which the government said the stations must have included Changing room, Air Compressor, Vulcanizing, Service Bay, Car Wash, Convenience Store, Offices and minimum of 3 toilets comprising of for Male, Female and 1 each for Disabled Male and Female.
Also, the government said that in the new regime, it was mandatory that the filling station must have Fast Food or Restaurant, Fire Fighting equipment and other facilities that would guaranty safety of lives.
Speaking with newsmen on the guidelines, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye said that the decision was taken following safety concerns and complaints over indiscriminate construction of the stations in the residential areas and flagrant disregard for safety guidelines.
This, he said, made the state government to ban further construction of filling stations and approval of gas stations in 2017.
The Commissioner explained that with the new guidelines for the construction and siting of the gas plants are expected to be built only on 450-1000 square metres in the developing area and 301-450 square metres in the built-up area. He added that the gas stations are also expected to have 250 metres distance from each other in the developing area and 200 metres in the built-up area.
He said: “The governor has consequently approved the immediate lifting of the embargo on the grant of Planning Permit for the construction of Petrol Filling Stations (PFS). Also, he has approved the implementation of a reviewed guideline detailing the requirements to be met by operators seeking planning permits for (PFS) and gas plants in the state. By this approval the State Government seeks to ensure safe and orderly siting, operation and management of (PFS) and gas plants for the overall safety of Lagosians.”
