As part of its efforts in bridging the huge housing deficit in the state, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has partnered with Echostone Development Nigeria Limited to deliver 252 affordable homes in Idale Badagry.
The public-private partnership is aimed at providing 100,000 affordable homes in 10 years with modern-day technology, starting with the construction of 2,000 housing units in three local government areas (LGAs) of the state namely, Idale in Badagry; Ayobo in Alimosho LGA and Imota in Ikorodu Local Government Area.
Speaking at the official commissioning of Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme, Idale-Whadeko, Badagry at the weekend, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, said the project was part of efforts in reducing the housing deficit in the state.
He explained that the estate was a joint venture with EchoStone Development Nig. Ltd and consists of 252 two-bedroom terrace bungalows constructed in an ecofriendly environment.
The governor said the collaboration with investors in housing development had yielded positive results in housing delivery by increasing the existing stock of homes.
“The state government will continue to provide a conducive environment for investment in the housing sector”, Sanwo-Olu assured. Speaking to newsmen at the unveiling of the housing scheme, Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the home units are echo friendly and technologically driven housing estate.
He explained that a unit is a two-bedroom bungalow and is affordable for the low-income earners, adding that the idea is also to take development from out of the main city.
“You can see that the Lagos state government is doing a lot in terms of infrastructure, water transportation and the ongoing work and the Lagos-Badagry express road. So that people can live here”
He disclosed that there a lot of jetties that will be coming up along the axis, “as we speak about two jetties is being constructed and Mr Governor will also be commissioning a dual carriageway opposite this estate today.
“You can see in terms of development, the administration of the Babajide SanwoOlu is not leaving anybody behind. This particular place is to open up Badagry, to take Badagry to where it supposed to be.”
Commenting on the innovation used by Echostone Development Nigeria in building the homes, the commissioner said, “We are leveraging on this technology, and we want to take this technology to the next level. For instance, the entire estate was constructed within one year. So, if we leverage on that, we would be able to provide more affordable housing units for Lagosians as fast as possible. That’s why we are encouraging technology and we would continue to encourage it and any other innovations that can bring more affordable, sustainable and eco-friendly estate, in terms of energy and water usage.”
According to him, the Lagos state housing scheme which is constructed by Echostone Nigeria comes with the convenience of low-cost maintenance in terms of water usage and energy efficiency.
“The estate boasts of infrastructure: such as Street lights, water treatment plant, central sewage treatment plant, perimeter fence and good road network.”
He, however, commended the development partner, EchoStone Development Nig. Ltd, for providing quality homes in a sustainable environment for the people of Lagos State.
Also speaking at the unveiling of the Affordable Housing Scheme named, ‘Peridot Parkland Estate’, Managing Director of EchoStone Development Nigeria, Mr Sammy Adigun, explained that EchoStone has been proud to enter the Africa continent in Nigeria and have made a significant investment.
He noted that EchoStone is proud to present the first-ever green-certified affordable housing community in Nigeria, as Idale Badagry is the first to be certified by the esteemed internationally recognized sustainability standard from the International Finance Corporation, EDGE.
“For instance, it is confirmed to a 53 percent Energy Savings home, 42 percent Water Savings and 35 percent Carbon Savings.”