By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some housing units allotted to beneficiaries by the Lagos State government but have been unoccupied for over two years have been revoked.
The affected apartments are in one of the Lagos State Housing Estates in the Sangotedo area of Lekki, Lagos.
According to the Commissioner for Housing in the state, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the seizure because the unoccupied units constituted a nuisance in the housing estates due to unkempt premises, recording shortfall in maintenance schedules and other negative consequences.
The commissioner noted that the action of the state government was based on empirical evidence that most of the allottees kept the housing units under lock while the state continues to feel the pressure of prospective subscribers who need them.
The Commissioner inspected some of the sealed blocks and flats and stated that the exercise was done irrespective of whether the allottee made full payment or applied under the Rent-To-Own schemes.
Mr Akinderu-Fatai restated the state government’s concern that Lagos State Government Housing Units are meant for those who need them, and not speculators.
He disclosed that the various initiatives of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration to increase the housing stock of the state will not be sacrificed for the interest of the privileged few.
“Applying for a Rent-To-Own scheme presupposes the allottee is in desperate need of accommodation; why should such allotted flats be left unoccupied after two years?” he queried.
The Commissioner reiterated that the state government would not allow its investment and state-of-the-art housing infrastructure to rot away while genuine home seekers lament.
He reaffirmed that the Ministry would refund such allottees and reallocate the housing units to other Lagosians who are ready to put the houses to use immediately
Furthermore, he reiterated the rule in the letter of allocation given to allottees that “Allocated housing estate flats should be occupied three months after allocation and keys released to beneficiaries’’. The estates have shared facilities that should be maintained with the contribution of all allottees.
In the last five years, the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu has commissioned 21 housing estates through direct intervention and public-private partnerships. The housing estates spread across the state were provided with infrastructure facilities for decent living.
