Recession: Ambode hands over keys to 100 Lagos residents

LAGOS State governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, on Monday presented keys to the first 100 allottees of the state Rent- To- Own Housing Policy as part of measures to cushion effects of economic recession making it impossible for people to have access to decent homes.

The state commissioner for housing Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, who represented the governor at the presentation of keys, held in Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, said the government had taking the bull by the horn through the implementation of the Rent- To- Own policy aimed at making housing more affordable and accessible to the citizenry.

The lucky allotees were giving keys to their homes in the various estates which include Michael Otedola, Odoragunshin , Epe; Oba Adebowa, Igbogbo, Ikorodu; Choice City Agbowa, Hon. Olaitan Mustapha and Alhaja Adetoun Mustapha Ojokoro.

Besides, the governor said the need to create a new face of accommodation for Lagosians especially the low and middle income earners had become imperative in view of the ever increasing population of the state.

According to Governor Ambode, who pointed out that the scheme was open to people living and working in Lagos and that all the allottees had been screened and pre- qualified in a transparent manner, all prospective home owners need to do is to make five per cent commitment fee, take possession and pay up the remaining balance towards the ownership of the property over a period of 10 years.

He recalled that not too many people believed three months ago when the policy was launched in four locations including, Epe, Ikorodu Agbowa and Ojokoro , adding that even the doubting Thomas’s had benefited from the gesture.

The governor assured that the allocation of the houses would be taking place on a monthly basis in a fair and just manner, devoid of lobbying or favoritism of any sort.

Speaking further, Governor Ambode explained that about 12 schemes were earmarked for the Rent- To- Own policy out of which five were presently being allocated.

According to him, other estates on the scheme include, Odo-Onosa/Ayandu Housing scheme, Agbowa, Igbogbo 2B Housing Estate, Ikorodu, Igando Gardens-Igando and Egan-Igando, Iponri scheme, Surulere, Sangotedo scheme, Eti-Osa and Ajara Housing scheme Badagry.

Governor Ambode said notwithstanding, the the rental housing programme of the state government was still in operation, pointing out that 25 per cent of the available housing units in each of the Rent- To- Own estate had been dedicated for such.

He said the rental housing programme was targeted at meeting the needs of the citizens who might not be interested in ownership or might not be able to meet the requirement of 30 per cent equity contribution for mortgage or five per cent commitment fee for the Rent- To- Own programme.

Earlier, General Manager, Lagos State Mortgage Board, Mr Dehinde Tunwashe, said the selected estates under the scheme were located in serene and beautifully gated communities with facilities such as water treatment plants, adequate parking space, health care centre, estate management office, street lights, recreational area and a police post for security, among others