Following the controversies trailing the implementation of the Land Use Act of the Lagos State government, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has appealed to residents to engage government on their grievances through the state various online platforms.
The governor made this known yesterday through Fola Lasisi, special adviser on Revenue and Taxation at a stakeholders meeting with Community Development Associations at LTV, Agidingbi, Lagos.
Ambode said he decided to grant the 50 percent waiver as succour to the people, saying that democracy was always open for dialogue.
“This new law passed on February 8, is not a new law, but it was just amended this year. What we generate from this is what we use to fund projects for the infrastructural development of the state,” he said.
“The law was actually amended to address three things; one of them is the issue of formula. The formula in the old law could not been understood by the people, but with this, property owners can self-assess what they are entitled to pay. Aside the 50 percent slash, a general relief of 40 percent of property value has also been given to property owners,” the governor said.
He reassured the residents of his administration’s commitment to the policy of inclusive government where nobody was left behind, which he had displayed with the 50 percent cut of the fee.
He told the residents to lodge their complaints on-citizens state online, info.lagos ministry of justice, a toll free line 767, and the hotline -08093929329.
In his speech, Akeem Omoyele Sulaimon, special adviser to the governor on Communities and Communications, said the state had commenced the construction and rehabilitation of 181 roads across the 20 Local Councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), in addition to 114 roads commissioned in 2016.
He assured that the administration would not rest on its oars in bringing infrastructural development nearer to the people, adding that several projects had been completed and many still ongoing across the state.
Responding, Rotimi Owolabi from Ijede Community Development Council (CDC) commended the governor for listening to their grievances, especially with the 40 percent general relief, aside the waiver.
Also, Kudirat Dalemo of Owutu LCDA lauded the governor for giving them opportunity to pay in instalment, without penalty, and enjoined all residents to embrace the new reduction.
