The Lagos State Ministry of Housing has embarked on a mission to improve living conditions in government-owned housing estates across the state. A stakeholders' forum was held at Oba Adeboruwa Housing Estate in Ikorodu, where residents gathered to share their concerns and challenges.
The meeting, which was attended by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Abdulhafis Toriola, aimed to gather feedback from residents and find solutions to the problems plaguing the estates. Toriola noted that challenges are inevitable in any active environment, but assured that the government is committed to addressing them.
The forum covered six government-owned housing estates in Ikorodu, including Oba Adeboruwa, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Babatunde Olushola Benson, Millennium, Jubilee, and Millennium estates. Residents raised concerns about poor drainage systems, which Toriola promised to address promptly.
The meeting also featured presentations from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, fire service officers, and officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
The residents expressed gratitude towards the permanent secretary for his efforts, but also appealed for more support to improve facilities such as healthcare, recreational spaces, and event centres.
The Lagos State government's move to engage residents in improving living conditions in government-owned housing estates is a step in the right direction. However, the government must be held accountable for the promises made, particularly the assurance to address the poor drainage systems. The fact that residents have already submitted proposals for additional facilities highlights the need for the government to provide adequate resources to meet their needs. The engagement must be sustained and translated into tangible improvements in the estates. The government must also ensure that the rules and regulations governing government estates are respected by all stakeholders.
