By Lukman Olabiyi, Lagos
The Federal and Lagos State governments through the Renewed Hope Housing initiative have concluded plans to provide over 2,000 home units to residents in the Ipaja and Ibeju Lekki areas of the state, as part of efforts to bridge the accommodation deficit in Lagos.
The state’s Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai revealed this on Thursday, during the Ministerial Briefing to commemorate the first anniversary of the second term in office of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, held in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Akinderu-Fatai affirmed the readiness of the state government to provide more homes by speedily completing its ongoing housing schemes in all the administrative divisions of the state.
He explained that the collaboration with the federal government on the Renewed Hope Housing initiative to provide over 2000 home units in Ipaja and Ibeju Lekki.
Akinderu-Fatai, also said there is an ongoing discussion with a private finance institution to provide 800 units at Odola in the Ikorodu division, saying the initiatives are targeted at first-time owners and low-income earners, with mortgages ranging from 10 to 15 years.
He also revealed that the old estates are being re-evaluated with a plan to restore their infrastructure and maximize the available lands for greater home yield.
According to him, about 646 civil servants have benefitted from the allocation of affordable housing units within the period under review, adding that 270 housing units will be commissioned by Governor Sanwo-Olu by the end of May.
The commissioner stressed that residents of some of the Ministry’s estates do not comply with the extant rules put in place to promote peaceful coexistence of all allotees in the estates.
Such infractions, according to him, include non-payment of Service charges, bypass of electric meters and cult activities.
He then warned that the state government has resolved to act resolutely by revoking the allocations of allotees who do not comply with agreements signed at the point of release of homes.
Akinderu-Fatai also used the opportunity to warn the allottees of the estates to desist from the practice of contravention of the original master plans of the estates through various alterations, modifications and adjustments.
According to him, the ministry is in the process of reverting to the original master plans and steps have been taken to notify and seal the properties affected.
He also hinted that the state government may in the long run retrieve any contravening property in accordance with the agreement signed with the allotees.
Akinderu-Fatai also confirmed the readiness of the state government to enhance fairness and transparency in the allocation of housing units through the use of a ballot in the allocation of some of its home units.
He added that the first balloting exercise will be conducted for Lagos State Public Affordable Housing, Idale in Badagry Division and LagosHoms at Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu in Epe Division on June 4, 2024, and that the process will be monitored by independent observers.
Akinderu-Fatai further called on residents of the state to be wary of the activities of dubious individuals or organizations who are parading themselves as registered Real Estate agents in the state.
He warned that “it is an offence for an individual or organization to engage in Real Estate business without due registration with LASRERA and urged the practitioners in the sector to always act responsibly and follow the path of the law. “