Lagos estate residents launch N80m project

Poised to enhance the aesthetic and commercial value of 27-year-old Magodo estate, residents and property owners under the aegis of Magodo Residents Association (MRA) have embarked on projects to increase investments and security in the highbrow estate.

The ambitious move prompted the launch of a multi purpose gatehouse at the Phase two at Shangisha side of the estate.

Chairman of MRA, Kunle Eludire, an estate surveyor and valuer to The Guardian at the ground breaking and fund raising ceremony, said the project valued at N80 million will be completed within 10 to 12 weeks.

According to him, N50 million will be needed for the main building, while the access control and other infrastructure will cost about N30 million

Eludire stressed that the gatehouse was just one of the several projects to be embark by the residents in the coming weeks.

According to him, the project will also enhance the security of the estate because the present gate was not strong enough, as well as to add the aesthetic value and beauty of the estate.

“When you see the beautiful houses in the estate from outside, you expect the inside to be beautiful. if the estate has beautiful property, it has to be justify from a beautiful and well secured gate”, he said.

Apart from enhancing the aesthetic value of the estate, Ekudire said the project will boost the revenue generation, as the gate will be delineated into three lanes, one to be designated as a sticker gate, where residents who paid their levies go through, one for visitors and the third for vehicles parks.

He stressed that the association already had part of the money contributed by members of the estate for the project; while it is raising the remaining N25 million was to provide access control.

The chairman extolled the Lagos state government for supporting the state by approving street lighting projects in some parts of the estate as well as the good relationship existing between the some government officials residing in the estate and the association.

He also expressed hope that the estate will benefit from the 3,000-mega watt electricity project being proposed by the state government.
Meanwhile, chairman of the estate Board of Trustee (BOT), Alhaji Lukman Adebiyi has called for government assistance in the development of estates in the state.

He said that it is not enough for government to open estates but to stand behind the leaders to ensure quicker development of the estates.

Alhaji Adebiyi stressed that government has not really lived up to it responsibilities in provision of infrastructure and basic amenities saying most of the developmental strides recorded in Magodo were through the efforts of residents.

He extolled the leadership of the estate for continuing on the ideals of the founding fathers to make the estate a destination of choice in Lagos and environs.

The event was attended by several members of the estate, who pledged to assist to ensure that the work is completed in good time.