Lagos State Government has assured residents of transparency and openness in allocations of homes in State-owned estates.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Mr. Kamar Owodiran Olowoshago gave the assurance at a media briefing on the developments in the Housing sector today at the State Secretariat, Alausa, stressing that the allocation of homes to Lagosians will continue to follow a transparent procedure.
He pointed out that the unending population growth of the State has made decent homes to be inaccessible, particularly for low and medium-income earners.
He, however, affirmed that the State Government intervention has made a significant impact by providing subsidised homes in a good environment.
His words, “With subsidised homes built by the State Government in decent environments, more Lagosians can now boast of decent shelter”. The Permanent Secretary revealed that the ways to own the subsidised homes are through outright purchase and Rent-to-Own schemes, adding that the target of the state-built home is the first-time homeowners who are ready to start living in the houses immediately. “Let me state categorically that we are not building for investors or property speculators and henceforth, those who do not take possession of their allocations will forfeit it to the government after a certain period”, Olowoshago said. While noting that this is to ensure that the homes are not locked up while some residents lack decent accommodation, the Permanent Secretary also unveiled plans to ensure that the home provision reaches those who need them most.
In his words, “We will open up online platforms for filling of forms since provision is still short of demand; open balloting will be done to assure us that qualified residents can access homes without knowing anyone in power”. He disclosed that those who can apply for the homes are residents who are over 18 years of age with evidence of registration with the State Registration Agency, taxpayers, and first-time homeowners with evidence of regular income”.
Olowoshago affirmed that more homes are still coming from all the five administrative divisions of the State. “We have ongoing construction at Ibeshe, Ita marun Epe, Sangotedo Phase II, Ajara and Egan. More initiatives are also in the process for homes in thousands for workers.
These will come with convenient mortgage packages spreading over 10 years”, he said. He averred that the maintenance of the State Government’s completed estates too is being firmed up to ensure transparency and accountability on the part of appointed facility managers, saying “The trend now is for Facility Management Agencies, Resident Association Executives and Scheme officers to be joint signatories to Estate Maintenance accounts”.
Expressing the commitment of the State Government to ensure transparency in the maintenance of estates and improved quality of service, Olowoshago implored all residents of state-owned estates to trust the process in the hope that it will bring the desired peace and progress.
