LASG hands over new building to occupants

The Lagos State Government has handed over a new building known as Block 6 in Progressive Estate, Abule Nla, Ebute Meta West to the former occupants.

A few years ago, its occupants had abandoned the building for fear that it might collapse on them.

The building, a block of six units of three-bedroom flats, was pulled down in 2013 following the approval of the governor for the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation to it.

According to the residents of the area, the process began over two decades ago when the building showed signs of defect.
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At the handover ceremony of the block to the occupants, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Housing, Mr. Olatunji Odunlami, said Governor Babatunde Fashola first gave his approval in 2009 but the reconstruction work started in 2013 due to protocols.

He said the journey started in 1988 when the residents first sent a letter to the then General Manager of the Lagos Building Investment Company Limited about the condition of the building, which was constructed during the regime of Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

Odunlami added that over the years, countless numbers of letters were sent by the residents for the government to do something about the building.

“On July 21, 2007, a letter was sent to the incumbent governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, with the copies of previous letters and the governor acted promptly by sending the file to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for thorough investigation and inspection of the building,” he said.

Commending the occupants of the building for their patience, Odunlami said the house had served its purpose since it was allotted several years ago and was in dire need for repair.