… directs law enforcement agencies to clampdown on ‘Okada’
As part of measures to cushion the effect of the economic crunch on low and middle income earners, Lagos State government is opening the bid for 1,000 housing units comprising of room/parlour, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments to interested members of the public on rent-to-own basis.
Also, the state in collaboration with the police and other law enforcement agencies, has directed the resumption of full enforcement of the provisions of the Lagos Traffic Law 2012, which restricts motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles from highways, bridges and certain areas of the state.
Gbolahan Lawal, commissioner for housing, who briefed journalists, yesterday, in Ikeja, said the ‘rent-to-own and rental’ housing policy was aimed at bringing low income earners to benefit from a total of 3,192 units available for sales and rent in different parts of the state, adding that “but we are starting with 1,000 units.”
Lawal listed the housing schemes for the programme to include Sir Michael Otedola Estate, Odoragunshin-Epe; CHOIS City, Agbowa; Alhaji Adetoun Mustapha Estate, Ojokoro, and Oba Adeboruwa Estate, Igbogbo-Ikorodu, adding that it would be launched simultaneously on Thursday, December 8, 2016.
Under the programme, a one-bedroom flat in Igando Gardens in Alimosho area of the state goes for N5 million, two-bedroom – N6.5 million and three-bedroom is being offered for N10 million. In the Sir Michael Otedola Estate, in Epe, one-bedroom is offered for N2 million; two-bedroom – N3.5 million and room/parlour – N1.5 million.
“Even though there is a mortgage scheme to accommodate more people on the home ownership ladder, a large number can still not afford to become home owners as they are unable to meet the requirement of 30 percent equity contribution which the mortgage scheme demands,” he said.
This, he said, necessitated the rent-to-own and rental policy. Under this arrangement, individuals are required to pay 5 percent of the value of the housing unit as commitment fee and the balance is spread over 10 years. The programme allows the tenant to live on the property while paying towards ownership as a fixed rent within the period of ten years.
“The Lagos state rental housing policy is to further ensure housing accessibility and affordability in Lagos. The rent for the rental housing will be collected on a monthly basis. The tenants are however required to pay one month deposit,” he said.
On the criteria for interested applicants, Lawal said they must be primarily resident in Lagos State and will be required to submit a copy of their Lagos State Residents Registration (LASSRA) card and must be a first time home buyer, which must be 21 years old and above.
He also said that applicants must be tax compliant and provide the proof of tax payment and must have capacity to pay the 5 percent commitment fee.
Lanre Elegushi, acting commissioner for transportation alongside his information counterpart, Steve Ayorinde, said with the approaching festive season and to arrest incessant cases of accidents and crimes involving the use of ‘Okada’ the government was left with no choice but to step up the enforcement of the traffic law, as record showed that Okada riders were taking advantage to rob and kidnap innocent citizens.
“The era impunity and crime enhanced by ‘Okada’ is long over,” Elegushi said.
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