The Lagos State government has advised people against unauthorised home modifications.
In a statement, the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Housing, Adeola Salako, quoted the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Lagos State, Kamar Olowoshago, as saying that residents of Abraham Adesanya Estate, Ajah, had committed various violations, particularly in the alteration of homes without prior approval from the Ministry of Housing.
He said, “These have compromised the safety standard of the homes and altered the original prototypes of the estate. In solving housing deficit issues in the state, the state government will not overlook pertinent issues such as safety of buildings and town planning requirements geared towards making Lagos State a model mega city and 21st century economy. “
He promised that all the anomalies by both partners and residents would be analysed and resolved in the best way possible, noting that all stakeholders should do their best to justify the huge confidence reposed in them by the state government and support its various initiatives in solving the accommodation challenges of the citizens of the state.
Responding, the Chairman of Abraham Adesanya Residents Association, Bolanle Bodede, lauded the state government for its commitment to the well-being of residents and appealed for promptness in addressing other pending issues in the estate.
Meanwhile, Olowoshago expressed concerns about the non-compliance of Joint Venture partners with the terms of the agreement including contract life span, the scope of work, and structural and safety guidelines.
He said, “Sadly many partners are elongating the construction period, thereby, worsening the housing deficit in the state. This is disappointing as the state government is desirous of releasing these homes to the people within the shortest possible period.”
He noted that some partners were not following standard safety guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Housing while others went beyond their scope in changing designs or increasing the number of homes without recourse to the Ministry.