Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioned 72-unit Ndubuisi Kanu Housing Estate.PIX:Tell Magazine

Lagos State Government, yesterday, commissioned the 72-unit Ndubuisi Kanu Housing Estate located in Gbagada, along Oworonshoki Expressway.

Other projects commissioned include 660 homes at Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu and 144 resettlement homes for displaced people in the Agbowa area of the state.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the unveiling of the estate, said one of the developmental goals of the government is to substantially reduce the housing deficit, including partnering with the private sector to deliver housing units that are affordable, safe and decent.

He said providing adequate, affordable and decent housing is a major challenge faced by megacities all over the world, stressing that Lagos faces the challenge of limited land size with a huge population.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, said despite challenges, the state had completed 19 housing estates in different parts of the state, including the Ndubuisi Kanu Estate, named after a former military governor of the state and a foremost democrat who played a frontline role during the June 12 struggle.

He said that the court case/dispute over the project had been resolved and charged the new home-owners to keep the estate well maintained by cooperating with the State appointed facility manager.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the last four years had been filled with positive activities as the government consistently strengthened its efforts to actualise its housing agenda.

He said: “The aim is to make decent homes available and accessible to Lagosians, irrespective of their social class or income level. The ultimate goal is to make Lagos comparable to the 21st economy all over the world in terms of the availability of beautiful communities with adequate infrastructure where people can live and call their homes. The first step was to complete all housing projects set aside by previous administrations. The second strategy was to empower joint ventures or partnerships that could lead to the provision of affordable homes.”

Utilising these strategies, thus far, we have completed and delivered various schemes across Lagos, including Lateef Jakande Gardens in Igando, Courtland Villas, Igbokushu, Lekki apartments, Lekki Lagos, State Affordable Public housing Scheme In Idale Badagry, Bayview Estate, Lekki, Sunnyville Apartments Nob Oluwa, Ogba, Phoenix Apartment, Ilupeju, LagosHOMS Lekki Phase 1, Babatunde Raji Fashola Estate in Iponri, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Estate, B.O Benson Estate, Sangotedo Housing Estate, Eti-Osa among others.

I must mention that while it was being constructed, it provided gainful engagement for a good number of contractors, artisans and suppliers of building materials. These homes are subsidised so that the state can bridge the gap of housing.”

The director of engineering services, Lagos Ministry of Housing, Mr. Olaniyan Rabiu, said the completion of the estate brings valuable addition to the home stock of state, provides yet another livable community, adds value to the beauty of the environment and served as a catalyst for improved economic activities in the area. (The Guardian)

Update news