CITIZENS COMPASS –Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, June 6, 2024, handed over the keys to 270 home units to their allottes at the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme in the Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area of the State.
Speaking during the commissioning of the housing scheme, the Governor said it will eliminate the housing deficit in the State.
He emphasised the need for innovation and partnership with private investors to provide more homes for Lagosias.
According to him, the housing scheme was a cornerstone to social and economic stability in the State.
He said with the completion of the 270 units, the state was not only addressing the urgent need for affordable housing but give sense of belonging to residents.
In his words: “This project is designed to cater for diverse socio-economic groups, reflecting our vision of an inclusive society where everyone has a place to call home.
“We completed the first phase, consisting of 270 two-bedroom units, to be handed over to qualified recipients.
“This is just the first phase; the second phase comprises 216 Home units, and cluster three which will come in the third phase, comprise 360 Home units, will soon be delivered. In total, this housing estate, when completed, will deliver 846 Home units to ease the housing deficit in the State.
“The housing shortage in Lagos State is real, but our administration is determined to reduce it by implementing policies that ensure the availability of decent homes for all, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations. Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind, providing decent housing for all citizens, whether in rural or urban areas.
“Government alone cannot address the housing shortage without the support of private investors. Globally, provision of mass housing is being accomplished through the combined effort of both the public and private sectors.
“We urge more investors to partner with us in mass housing provision, ensuring mutual benefits for investors and the economy.
“It is aimed at providing homes, creating jobs and strengthening the financial system for all stakeholders. We encourage investors to explore opportunities in rural and suburban areas, where we are systematically addressing infrastructural deficits.
“We welcome partnerships at all levels, housing provision, convenient mortgage packaging, and people-oriented home-rental programmes.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Commisioner for Housing in Lagos, Mr Moruf Fatai, explained that the journey of Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme began in 2001, with a view to 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 (LBIC) in 2006.
He said despite significant interest and financial commitments from over 924 subscribers, the project was stalled and taken over by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in 2013.
He said: “With very minimal progress recorded, the project was returned to the Ministry of Housing in Year 2016 by the former Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
He explained further that a holistic approach to complete the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme alongside other ongoing projects is ongoing and this has led to the strategic division of the project into three clusters to facilitate its completion.
“ It was also discovered that many buildings had failed structural integrity, leaving us the difficult but necessary decision to pull down the compromised structures and erect new ones.
“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 challenges, ensuring that every promised unit is delivered. This project is a clear indication that when we combine vision with dedication, the results are transformative.
“However, other subscribers with over 50 per cent commitment on the initial selling price shall be considered with an option to balance up at the current selling price.
“Please, be informed that when Clusters 2 and 3 of the scheme are delivered in due course, there will be an additional 576 homes to the housing project in the area, thus bringing us to the original vision of the project.
“The infrastructural components in this estate include a network of well-structured roads, well-channeled drainage system, ingestion station, ample car parks, potable water, perimeter fence, central sewage treatment plant and electricity transformers.’
