The Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, has called on private companies to help in building more affordable housing units in the state to bridge the deficit gap.

Akinderu-Fatai made the call at the official inauguration and handover of the 270 home units, Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate (Cluster 1), on Thursday, in Lagos.

He said the occasion was a step toward alleviating the housing deficit in Lagos.

Akinderu-Fatai added the housing project would bring succour to the people of the Igando-Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government Area.

He emphasised that there were more people who needed affordable housing in Lagos than the government could currently provide on its own.

He said, ‘We are also using this medium to call for more private participation in strengthening our resolve to reduce the challenge of housing deficit in the state.

‘Though we have made significant financial investment through budgetary allocations towards completion of all existing housing schemes, we still need p
rivate sector’s support and contributions in order to speedily achieve the Lagos of our dreams.’

The commissioner said the project, with long and challenging journey, started in 2001 and had since faced multiple delays due to funding issues and changes in leadership.

Akinderu-Fatai highlighted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to completing the project and his vision for a 21st-century Lagos.

The commissioner expressed optimism that Clusters 2 and 3 of the projects would be completed, adding 576 more homes.

He said, ‘As we hand over the keys to the new homeowners, we reaffirm our commitment to completing Clusters 2 and 3.

‘We will continue to work assiduously to overcome any challenges, ensuring that every promised units are delivered.

See also NIOB renews call for collaboration towards building laws enforcement, engagement of professionals

‘This project is a clear indication that when we combine vision with dedication, the results are transformative.

‘May I, also add that Mr Governor, in his m
agnanimity has graciously approved that all existing subscribers with full payment for either a unit of two bedroom or three bedroom flat be given allocation from this very cluster at no additional fees to the selling price.

‘This is to appreciate their trust and commitment over-time in our dear state.’

He, however, said that other subscribers with more than 50 per cent commitment on the initial selling price would be considered with an option to balance up at the current selling price.

He added, ‘Please be informed that when the clusters two and three of the scheme is delivered in due course, there will be an additional 576 homes to the housing stock in the area, thus bringing us to the original vision of the project.’

Akinderu-Fatai urged the new homeowners to go beyond simply receiving their apartments, encouraging them to feel a sense of responsibility for the entire estate.

Also speaking, Sanwo-Olu, at the inauguration of the 270 home units, expressed delight for bringing these homes to reality.

Ac
cording to him, housing is the fundamental human rights and the cornerstone of social economic stability.

He expressed the resolve to make a significant investment to affordable housing to bridge the housing gap between the demand and the supply, pledging to partner with investors.

The governor urged the home owners to take proper care of the building, advising them not to do things that would endanger the lives of others.

See also New loans will not benefit Taraba, says petitioner

He thanked the ministry and contractors, promising to come soonest for the inauguration of the clusters two and three.

The journey of Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme began in 2001, with the ambitious goal of delivering 846 housing units to sub-urban dwellers in the state.

However, due to funding issues, the project was abandoned and transferred to the Lagos Building Investment Corporation in 2006.

In spite of the significant interest and financial commitments from over 924 subscribers, the project stalled again and was take
n over by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in 2013.

With very minimal progress recorded, the project was returned back to the Ministry of Housing in 2016 by former Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria