We will demolish buildings with integrity issues in Festac – FHA

Mr. Oyetunde Ojo, Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), has announced the start of road rehabilitation in Festac Town, Lagos, beginning with 1st Avenue. He also highlighted that structures with integrity issues in the area will be demolished.

Ojo made this announcement on Thursday, August 22, during an inspection of the Festac area. According to a statement from the FHA on Friday, the rehabilitation will be phased to address the town’s infrastructural decay.

Ojo emphasized that restoring Festac Town is more than just a promise and will involve tangible actions. He described the town as a national monument and expressed the FHA’s commitment to reviving its former glory.

Residents were urged to cooperate by paying their statutory fees, as these funds are crucial for the FHA’s independent operation.

The ongoing verification exercise aims to update the FHA’s database, with only verified properties to be recognized. The rehabilitation plan includes upgrading the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gates, removing illegal structures, installing solar street lights, and performing palliative road repairs.

Ojo warned that buildings with visible integrity issues on 6th Avenue will be demolished. Owners who demolish their properties themselves will retain their land titles; however, if the FHA carries out the demolition, the title may be forfeited.

The MD also detailed plans for the 3.2km stretch of 2nd Avenue, which will cost approximately 7 billion Naira. While seeking Federal Government support for full repairs, the FHA will perform palliative work to maintain usability.

Ojo concluded by noting that he will personally oversee demolition activities on 6th Avenue, emphasizing that buildings showing signs of potential collapse will be prioritized.