Efforts at reducing housing shortage in Lagos have received a boost with the construction of 252 housing units at Idale in Badagry local council.
Commissioner for Housing, Lagos State, Moruf Akinderu Fatai, who gave the cheering news, said the structure is the first Joint Venture (JV with Echostone Nigeria geared towards driving mass housing delivery in the state. Akinderu Fatai, who spoke during an inspection of the site, expressed gratitude with the new development, stressing that it is a cheaper way of building houses. He stated that the state government is thinking of employing the technology used for the Idale projects to two or three floors because it is cheaper, quicker and clean.
According to him, “It is something that we are very proud to be associated with and we are also happy that this is the first Joint Venture (JV) that this administration will be delivering. Moving forward, we can only continue to do more, we cannot stop at this stage.”On the collaboration with Echostone Nigeria, the Commissioner said: “We can see that they are cable, and they know what they are doing. And we are happy with this collaboration, we can only look out to improve on what we have presently. And that is why I said that we are thinking of using the technology to grow to about two-three floors, to enable more people to benefit.”
Considering the quality of materials used in construction, he said, “ the quality of materials used here is something that is commendable, we are happy with what we are seeing here, and we are proud to be associated with Echostone Nigeria.”Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Art and Culture, Bonu Solomon Saanu said, “This is a fantastic project and I’m highly impressed with what I’m seeing here.
Commenting on the level of innovation and technology put into use, he said; “If you look at the level of technology used in building these structures, as you can see there was no single block. This is a new method of technology that is being put in place in terms of housing. We are highly impressed with this development ”
Commenting on how Idale housing project powered by Echostone Nigeria will impact the housing deficit in the state, the Saanu added, “By the time this over 200 blocks are being put into use, it will surely go a long way to reduce the housing deficit in Lagos.He commended the initiator of the project, Echostone Nigeria for the job well done, however, encouraged them to do more in Lagos, adding that the state government is very much available to strengthening its partnership with the company for better development.
On his part, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Olu Atitebi pointed out that the initiative and the technology being applied with the cost will provide fair affordability to the people of Lagos towards having their own homes.“So, the idea has been well-conceived implemented towards bringing comfort to the citizenry of the state”, he said.On his part, a Director of EchoStone Nigeria, Mr. Sammy Adigun, said it takes only 14 days to build a home. He stressed that his firm would meet the housing needs of Lagos residents, with the support of all the relevant stakeholders, without compromising quality.
Source: The Guardian
