Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, has strongly condemned the vandalism of facilities at government housing schemes, calling it unacceptable. The recent incident at the Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate, Igbogbo, where cables, generators, and electrical panels were looted and destroyed by suspected vandals and robbers, has been described as a setback to the government's intervention in housing provision.
During a visit to assess the extent of the damage, Akinderu-Fatai expressed dismay at the level of destruction, emphasizing that such criminal acts are a major distraction to the government's efforts in providing subsidized homes for low-income earners. He noted that the funds needed to replace the vandalized items could have been used to provide homes for others in need.
The commissioner warned that sanctions would be applied to residents who do not comply with rules and regulations put in place for the sustainability of the state's housing schemes. He emphasized the importance of residents paying facility maintenance fees and not subletting their apartments to ensure the security and integrity of the housing estates.
Akinderu-Fatai also addressed allegations of residents refusing to pay management levies and subletting their units to unauthorized persons. He stated that anyone found guilty of such actions would face ejection and forfeiture of their units.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abdulhafis Toriola, reiterated the mandatory nature of the facility management fee, emphasizing its importance in sustaining security, refuse disposal, and other essential services in the estates.
