The Lagos State government says it is intensifying efforts to complete more than 2,000 housing units under construction in Abraham Adesanya and Sangotedo areas of Ibeju-Lekki before the end of the current administration.

 The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of ongoing housing projects across the state. 

Mr Akinderu-Fatai said the inspection aimed to assess the level of work completed and identify challenges that could hinder the timely delivery of the projects. 

“We are here with the permanent secretary, directors and members of the ministry’s technical team to inspect the projects and evaluate the extent of work done so far,” he said.

 The commissioner said that the state government remained committed to ensuring value for money and the timely completion of all housing projects being funded and supervised by the ministry.

According to him, the housing schemes are being developed through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements designed to expand access to affordable housing for Lagos residents. 

He disclosed that four major housing projects were currently ongoing across the state, with a combined capacity of more than 2,000 housing units. 

“It is the intention of this administration to ensure that these projects are completed as quickly as possible and delivered before the end of the tenure of this government,” he said.

 Mr Akinderu-Fatai, however, expressed concern over the pace of work at some project sites, saying the government expected contractors to improve performance and adhere strictly to agreed timelines. 

“We are not completely satisfied with the pace of work on some of the projects. We have identified technical issues that require immediate attention and engagement with the contractors,” he said. 

He said that the ministry would intensify monitoring and site inspections to ensure that contractors complied with contractual obligations and to accelerate construction activities. 

He added that some of the housing projects could be ready for delivery between October and November if contractors improved their performance and resolved outstanding technical issues. 

“If the government has fulfilled its funding obligations and a contractor is still not delivering as expected, appropriate measures will be taken.

“We will not hesitate to sanction or replace non-performing contractors,” he said.

 Mr Akinderu-Fatai attributed delays experienced on some projects to inflation and the sharp rise in the cost of building materials, which affected project execution nationwide.

“These projects ought to have been completed about three years ago, but inflation and increases in construction material costs slowed progress.

“Those challenges have largely been addressed, and our focus is now on delivery,” he said. 

The commissioner reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to expanding housing infrastructure and providing decent accommodation for residents.

He said the government would continue to work with private-sector partners to bridge the housing deficit and improve access to affordable housing across the state. 

(NAN)