As part of efforts to address the three million housing deficit, the Lagos State Government (LASG), in conjunction with Echostone Nigeria Limited says all is set to deliver the first Joint Venture (JV) housing scheme under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The partnership is targeted at providing 100,000 homes in four years in Lagos, beginning with the construction of 2,000 housing units in three Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state, Idale in Badagry; Ayobo in Alimosho LGA and Imota in Ikorodu LGA.
In a statement on Tuesday, Echostone said it has concluded the construction of 252 units of two-bedroom flats in Idale Badagry LGA of the state, as part of its ongoing projects to deliver mass housing in Lagos state.
According to the statement, it takes 14 days to build, with technology that is IFC/EDGE certified Green Homes with high quality, well-furnished two bedrooms and two bathroom homes with a full complement of world-class infrastructure.
Speaking during the inspection of the site, the state Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu Fatai expressed satisfaction with the project, describing it as “a cheaper way of building houses.”
It is necessary, he added, that the government encourages Echostone “to do more,” adding that the Babajide Sanwoolu administration in the stare is thinking of adapting the technology used for the bungalow construction of the Idale housing units to two or three floors. This, he noted, is “because it is cheaper, quicker and very clean.”
Continuing, Fatai said the government “is very proud to be associated with and we are also happy that this is the first Joint Venture (JV) that this administration will be delivered. Moving forward, we can only continue to do more, we cannot stop at this stage.”
In collaboration with Echostone to reduce the housing shortfall in Lagos, the commissioner said it is clear that the company is capable, and the management knows what it is 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.”
He described the quality of materials used in the project, as “something that is commendable, we are happy with what we are seeing here, and we are proud to be associated with Echostone Nigeria.”
Also speaking during the inspection, 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 noted, “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, this development is very nice.”
On how the Idale housing project will impact the housing deficit in Lagos, Saanu expressed belief that putting over 200 blocks into use “will surely go a long way to reduce the housing deficit in Lagos.”
He commended Echostone Nigeria for the job while urging the company to do, stressing that the state government is favourably disposed to strengthening the partnership for better development.
A representative of the Permanent Secretary, Housing, Engr. Olu Atitebi, on his part, assured that the initiative and the technology being applied and the associated 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.
Meanwhile, Director of EchoStone Nigeria, Sammy Adigun, promised that the company is poised to meet the housing needs of Lagos residents, with the support of all relevant stakeholders, without compromising quality.
Photo caption: From left, Construction Manager of the Peridot Parkland Estate, Idale, Badagry, Timothy Atsekhamen of Echostone Nigeria; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu Fatai; Special Adviser (SA) to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Art and Culture, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu; Director, Echostone Nigeria, Sammy Adigun and other members of the Lagos State crew during the inspection of the completed 252 homes constructed by Echiostone Nigeria through Joint Venture (JV) partnership with Lagos State Government, held in Lagos …recently.
