The government of Lagos state has officially commenced the pulling down of all unapproved telecommunication mast in the state following the expiration of the December 31, 2013 deadline it issued.
The state government through its Urban Furniture Regulatory Unit (UFRU) had earlier directed owners of telecoms masts in state to ensure that they strictly adhere to the new standards in the sector.
It directed that all hollow masts be replaced with newly approved galvanized modern mast in a bid to reduce incidences of masts collapse.
So far, masts belonging to three banks have been pulled down. The three major banks are First Bank Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa and Union Bank.
The exercise has reportedly resulted in the disruption banking activities in the affected financial institutions and bank customers are being directed to transact at alternative branches.
The unit said it would continue decommissioning the masts until all marked hollow structures in the state were pulled down.
Apart from banks, telecommunication firms, internet service providers, insurance companies, oil companies, and many other firms own these masts that have been identified as safety risks.
The state government decided to embark on the exercise following the increasing number of reported cases of sustained injuries associated with the collapse of outdated masts during whirlwind and bad weather.
