AFTER months of construction works, one of Nigeria's oldest property development companies, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) has draw curtains on its residential accommodation located at the Apapa Government Reserved Area (GRA), in Apapa Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.Financed by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), the estate christened, H.A.B Fasinro Court, was handled by Messrs Segato Limited as main contractor. Other consultants and contractors are Baf Engineering Services (road and drainage), Rutum Nigeria Limited (external electrification), Feabi Nigeria Limited, (water engineers).The 60 units housing estate, situated along Dan Fodio Street, off Liverpool road, is estimated to have gulped N1.4 billion, and sits on a 1.63-hectare of land. The estate consists of 10-blocks of flats, designed as six units of three-bedroom, all en-suite. The amenities provided include water treatment plant, dedicated generator plant, and playing ground.At a ceremony last week to showcase the estate, the Lagos Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola explained that each block was designed to enhance and foster community living. Each of the blocks also gives adequate space for services and parking.'The flats have been luxuriously designed to meet with the taste of the target market. Each three bedroom flat has a large master bedroom with a design that allows for a smooth flow from the sitting and dining areas with modern quality finishing. The kitchen is fitted elegantly, while all the bedrooms are en-suite. Attached to each flat on the rear side is a maid's room with its convenience. The price of each flat includes the cost of maintenance and insurance cover for three years as well as cost of preparing the Deed of Sublease.' Fashola added.Fashola pointed out that 2,558 workers found employment at the site during the period of construction of the estate. He said: 'For me, this is the kind of public spending governments must pursue at a time of economic difficulty. These are the kind of projects for the construction of houses at all levels that we intend to pursue vigorously in the implementation of the year 2012 Budget as soon as it starts'.He explained that his administration has adopted a multi-pronged strategic approach in tackling the housing problem of the State pointing out that the approach was meant to meet the housing demands of all levels of the society while also enabling government to earn profit from the privileged to subsidize the less privileged.He continued, 'While I am convinced that the pursuit of this multi-strategic options remains the most viable route to our goal of reducing the housing deficit and increasing access to shelter, because everybody gets to participate at one time or the other, what is instructive is that all of these choices have one thing in common and that is that they continuously stimulate economic activity in our State. They stimulate growth and they create jobs and address the issue of employment'.The governor advised the residents to strengthen their Association and community involvement as well as work with the Local and State Governments and 'rise up to assist in reclaiming this neighbourhood', adding that, Okada being a business, if the residents refuse to patronize it, it would die naturally.Earlier, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of LSDPC, Mr. Biodun Oki said the corporation would continue to strive to have the corporation's presence felt in all the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas.According to Oki, land has been the greatest constraint of the corporation, however, he promised to ensure that provision of decent and affordable housing is provided for the different strata in Lagos.'We are constrained by the shortage of land, but that notwithstanding, we would ensure that all categories of people, whether high, middle or lower earning people get the desired accommodation', he said, adding that with the support of Governor Fashola and the financial partners of the corporation, the mission of set out by the LSDPC would be achieved.
Click here to read full news..
