ASSESSING THE URBAN PLANNING AND PUBLIC SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF UNCOMPLETED RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN HIGH-DENSITY NEIGHBOURHOODS OF ETI-OSA, LAGOS

Abstract

The increasing number of unfinished residential structures in high-density neighborhoods in Lagos' Eti-Osa Local Government Area creates serious difficulties to urban safety, spatial planning, and long-term housing delivery.  This research studied the planning and public safety consequences of these abandoned structures by conducting field assessments of 52 buildings in five villages, including Sangotedo, Jakande, and Ikate-Elegushi, as well as stakeholder interviews and satellite imagery analysis.  The findings show that 65% of these unfinished projects are in residential areas and are frequently related with increased crime, mosquito breeding, and deteriorating property values. Financial restrictions (80%), land ownership issues, weak enforcement of planning standards, and title verification delays are all major causes of project abandonment.  Interviews with planning officials revealed that more than half of the properties required final development permissions.  The report suggests stricter enforcement of development control regulations, regular community safety assessments, and the implementation of urban regeneration initiatives to turn abandoned structures into habitable areas and increase urban resilience.