As the 2017 World Habitat Day is being observed across the world, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday reiterated the commitment of his administration towards improvement of access of residents to affordable housing across the state.
Speaking at the celebration of 2017 World Habitat Day organised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development with the theme, ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes’, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ambode said his administration’s promise to make live more comfortable for the people is still very intact, adding that this would be complemented with the need to provide decent and affordable housing for all the residents of the state.
He said his government’s commitment in this regard was demonstrated through the ‘Rent-to-Own and Rental Housing initiative, which is specifically designed with the low income and middle income earners in mind, just as he added that apart from reducing the initial deposit requirement from 30% to 5%, a larger proportion of 80% of the total stock of housing units under the programme is dedicated to the Rent-to-Own scheme and targeted at the low income group.
“This year’s celebration is an integral part of the ‘Lagos @50 celebration showcasing our achievements in the regeneration and urbanization of Lagos State, using today’s event as a platform for all stakeholders and government to deliberate, raise critical questions and proffer solutions,” Governor Ambode said.
Governor Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule, also said a total of 4,355 Housing units have been commissioned across the three Senatorial Districts of the state, emphasised that the plan of the present adminstration is to deliver 20,000 in the next three years, which according to him will close the housing deficits gap and improve access of citizens to affordable housing.
He said connected to the overall objective to make Lagos livable is the ongoing effort in the in the area of Urban Renewal and Slum upgrading /regeneration in which private developers and other stakeholders are playing key roles in line with the commitment to run an all-inclusive government.
“As we strive to provide the enabling environment for investment in the housing sector, we are open to new ideas, new technology and new methods. The private sector remains our our key partner in ensuring the delivery of decent, functional and affordable housing in the quantity that will match the demand across the State,” he said.
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL Wasiu Anifowose, said making housing available and within the reach of the common man is one of the most critical issues in the socio-economic well-being of the people, just as he said the observation has made government to explore all avenues available to make it realizable.
“This ministry, I am happy to say, is partnering more than ever before with all stakeholders in the built environment to be able to realise and bridge the gap of the housing stock deficit,” he said.