•••Agboyi-Ketu LCDA first grassroots govt to construct residential housing estate in Nigeria, says Council boss
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday officially unveiled the Greenwich Gardens, a 101 housing units project at Ajelogo in Agboyi- Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the State.
The Greenwich Gardens comprises 66 units of two-bedroom flats, 20 units of three-bedroom terraces, 14 units of three-bedroom semi-detached houses, one unit of four-bedroom detached houses and 65 residential plots (sites and service scheme.)
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony of the Greenwich Gardens, delivered by the Hon. Dele Oshinowo-led administration in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA in conjunction with the private sector, Governor Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the private sector as well as partnering developers to provide more decent and affordable houses for Lagosians.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration is determined and committed to completing all the ongoing housing projects and significantly add to the 19 housing schemes that his administration has completed and which currently provide decent abode for the residents.
He said: “The Greenwich Gardens Housing Estate Agboyi-Ketu, will provide more decent homes for Lagosians residing in the metropolis. Sustained by the earnest desire to bridge the housing deficit in this urban city, this project was brought to fruition through direct budgetary allocation and will be a valuable addition to the home-stock of Lagos state.
“Unarguably, this estate will provide another livable community and add value to the ambiance of the environment, which will serve as a catalyst for improved economic activities in the community.
“This scheme has become one of the irrefutable evidence of the commitment of the Mayor Dele Oshinowo led administration to the wellbeing of the people of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. I want to urge the potential landlords to take ownership of this scheme and protect the infrastructure religiously.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that “As a government, we understand the challenges of housing in the State, and this is why this administration has embraced a global housing policy in which people can become homeowners through an inclusive and convenient financing system based on their income.
“The housing sector in Lagos State, as a mega city, offers huge opportunities for real estate investors, given the increasing population and the demand for decent and affordable shelter.
“Let me use this opportunity to encourage private investors to partner with us in bridging the housing deficit in the State. On our part, we are determined and committed to completing all the ongoing housing projects and significantly add to the 19 housing schemes that our administration has completed and which currently provide a decent abode for the residents.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while commending the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Dele Oshinowo, and the entire leadership of the council for completing the housing estate, called on all the council chairmen in the State to focus on housing projects in their respective local governments and LCDAs.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Dele Osinowo said the housing project represents the visionary ability of the administration to establish a new voyage of grassroots development in the country.
He said Agboyi-Ketu LCDA is the first grassroots government in Nigeria to embark on a housing project and sites and services scheme through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.
“The Greenwich Gardens has made Agboyi-Ketu LCDA as the first Local Authority to construct residential housing estate under the PPP arrangement in Nigeria.
“The project significantly contributes to the THEMES+ agenda of the Lagos State Government, revitalising a once notorious spot and boosting local economies. The completion of Greenwich Gardens addresses housing deficits, enhancing the overall well-being of the community.
“This project exemplifies the potential of local governance in Nigeria, demonstrating that with visionary leadership, local government can undertake substantial projects for their citizens and the greater good of the nation,” Oshinowo said.