THE residents of Lagos State Government-owned estates have been called upon to fully collaborate with the state authority to ensure sustainability of infrastructure, housing assets and market value of their properties.
The residents are expected to ensure regular maintenance and partner with the state government to provide constant improvement to the facilities.
The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola made the appeal during a monthly stakeholders’ meeting and enlightenment programme with residents of Lagos State Housing Estates within the Ikeja Division, held at Lagos HOMS Magodo–Isheri during the weekend.
The commissioner told the residents that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has taken significant steps to promote sustainable estate management to improve the wellbeing of residents in government’s housing estates across the state.
According to him, government has engaged facility managers and insurance companies to maintain and prevent risks to create sustainable, valuable, and livable estates for citizens.
Akinderu-Fatai also stated that the periodic stakeholders’ meeting is a strategy designed to constantly engage residents, educate them on estate management, address concerns, and inform them about the state government’s plans for estate development.
He also stressed the need for residents to comply with guidelines and pay their annual service charges, sinking funds, special levies, and insurance premiums promptly.
According to him, this would ensure the facilities within the estate remained functional and the value of the homes appreciate
The Permanent Secretary, Abdulhafis Toriola, enjoined the residents to take ownership of their estate, as the Lagos State government’s efforts to provide affordable and sustainable housing for its residents is a partnership between the allottees and the State.
Toriola introduced the newly produced “Allottees’ Guide”, which contains updated information about the responsibility of allottees, the facility managers, annual financial obligations for sustainability of the estates and the ministry’s contact details.
He advised the residents to obtain a copy of the publication and keep abreast of information regarding their status.
The stakeholders’ meeting is a monthly exercise held across the five divisions of the state. It’s an avenue to promote sustainability, prevent degeneration and ensure that state government-owned housing estates are well-maintained and are seen as a model of decent living. It also served as a feedback platform for estate residents.
The ministry invited relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as private sector organizations to make presentation vis-à-vis what is expected to ensure the estates remain sustainable and serve as a home heritage for generations of initial owners and residents.
The residents were lectured by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services on fire prevention; enlightened by the Ministry of Environment officials on drainage, waste management and environmental sustainability; benefited from a presentation from the Domestic and Sexual Violence Office amongst others.
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