Sanwo-Olu commissions 480 housing units, says 35,000 jobs created in housing sector
By Moses Adeniyi
Lagos State Governor, on Thursday commissioned a 480 Housing Unit of LagosHOMS at Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, disclosing that the construction of various housing estates by the State Government has created no less than 35,000 direct and indirect jobs in the housing sector
On the breakdown, the Governor, who also performed the Ground Breaking Ceremony of LagosHOMS Ibeshe Phase 11, said that his administration has created 17,000 direct jobs and 18,000 indirect jobs through the construction work in various housing schemes.
“In terms of job creation, through the construction work in our various housing schemes, the State has been able to create 17,000 direct economic engagements for consultants, contractors and artisans in the State. Other forms of indirect economic activities in form of food vending at sites, transportation for work gangs and other related undertakings also amounts to 18000 indirect job for the informal sector,” he said.
Recall that the development is coming barely five weeks when the State commissioned an Estate of 100 homes constructed through joint venture in Lekki.
The 480 Units Ibeshe Housing Estate (Phase 1) renamed as B.O. Benson Housing Estate, Ikorodu is sited on a 15 Hectares Land Area comprising, 40 Blocks (480 home Units). It consists of flats ranging from one, two and three Bedroom Flats fortified with Fully fitted kitchen, Store, Guest’s Toilet, Ample Car parks. Also Water Treatment Plant Overhead Water Tanks, Borehole. Pump House, Central Sewage System, seven New Transformers, one injection Station, two Refuse Houses, Community Hall.
Speaking while unveiling the new set of 480 homes delivered through direct budgetary allocation, Sanwo-Olu said the housing projects have further joined other schemes to effect direct economic engagements for consultants, contractors and artisans in the State.
According to him, the effort of the Administration was borne by the need to bridge the huge housing deficits in the State, while enhancing the quality of life and human living standards in the State.
The Governor hinted that provision of housing remains one of the mandate of his administration as encapsulated in the THEMES Agenda policy thrust, adding that the commissioning ceremony was a clear testimony and indication of fulfilment of electoral promises.
The Governor said, “I wish to say that in the past two and half years, we have been earnestly addressing the huge housing deficit in the State. It is important to note that the gap in supply and demand of homes is not peculiar to Lagos State.
“Accommodation deficit is a challenge associated with all urban cities in the world. The situation in Lagos is however challenging because of the population growth rate of the State. The massive migration of people from all over the federation to Lagos State places a great pressure on the available housing facilities.
“In order to cope with this trend, the State Government regards it as a duty to keep on building more homes to take care of the increasing housing needs of its residents.
“In utilizing these two strategies of partnership with the private sector and budgetary allocation, we have been able to deliver 13 major housing schemes all over the State.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu who said works remain ongoing in a number of housing construction sites across the State, adding that three schemes are virtually ready and awaiting commissioning at Sangotedo, Odo-Onosa Ayandelu, and Agbowa.
He assured that by the time his administration is marking the third anniversary, no less than 7,000 homes would have been delivered to the people, adding that the state government is also embarking on partnership with private sector to provide more housing needs of the people.
Stressing that the provision of more housing facilities in urban, suburban and rural areas is part of his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, he said housing falls under the Pillar M-making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, he said that the state government is focusing on the sector as a driving factor for economic development, social inclusion and job creation.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the Phase II of the Ibeshe Housing scheme will yield a total of 192 two bedroom flats with supporting infrastructure which will include a network of roads, drainage system, car park, electricity and water reticulation system.
On his part, the State’s Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the commissioning ceremony shows, beyond all doubt, the readiness of the present administration to drive with great vigor, an all-round development of the State.
The Commissioner assured that with the 480 new homes of various categories, the socio-economic indices of the area are bound to improve.
“May I also recall that recently the Governor was also at Lekki to commission the Bayview Estate, a housing scheme which was constructed through joint venture/partnership with private developers.
“The fact that he is here again today (yesterday) to release to the good people of the State another housing scheme while conducting the commencement of another scheme is a signal that the development of the State of Excellence is a continuous work,” the Commissioner said.
He said the State Government has been working on the completion of all the housing schemes initiated but left unfinished by previous administrations in the state.
The newly commissioned scheme is situated opposite Nichemtex factory, Ibeshe Road, Igbogbo – Baiyeku LCDA, on a land area of 15 hectares.
