The Lagos State Government has called on housing developing partners handling various projects in the State to intensify efforts towards the speedy completion of all on – going projects assigned to them as indicated in their contractual agreements.
This was the stand of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai during the site inspection by the Ministry of Housing team to Harmony Gardens Estate along Command Road, Ipaja in Alimosho Local Government.
Hon. Moruf Akinderu- Fatai expressed his displeasure at the slow pace at which the developer was handling the project. In his words “the developer is yet to meet up with the agreed-upon time-line indicated in the agreement signed with the State Government”.
He seized the opportunity to harp on the need for speedy completion of the project in order to quickly reduce the gap in housing provision in the State.
The Commissioner reiterated that the developer handling the project needs to do more to complete the scheme as the said project which started 8 years ago is long overdue for delivery, adding that the Government on its part has fulfilled its own obligations.
He warned that “if the Partner is unable to complete and deliver the project within the terms and conditions of the agreement signed by both parties, the State will likely terminate the partnership as indicated in the joint ventures agreement.”
He noted that the Harmony Gardens Estate project is sited on 5.63 Hectares of land along Command Road, Ipaja in Alimosho Local Government, consisting of 37 blocks of 4 floors each (3 bedrooms en-suite of 296 units expected to be delivered long before now.
Furthermore Akinderu-Fatai while emphasing Government’s resolve to bridge the gap in housing provision said “the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu is highly committed to speedy completion of all ongoing housing projects in the State. He pointed out that “the Governor has directed that all on-going projects inherited from the past administration be completed as soon as possible”
The Commissioner emphasised on achievement of joint venture scheme that strategy’s has paid off greatly as we have over 700 units of apartment already available from our investors.
He further added that development Partners must stand up to their responsibilities in working according to the terms of the agreement signed with Lagos State Government to achieve the Lagos of our dreams.
The Commissioner used the opportunity to call on legitimate investors with financial capability who are interested in collaborating with Government in its provision of Mass housing for the citizenry to come forward as Government cannot do it alone.
Also during the inspection, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola warned that only capable investors and genuine development partners should approach the Ministry of Housing for enquiry and clarification.