Lagos State Government, yesterday, reiterated the importance of sustaining safe, secure and well-managed public housing estates to improve the quality of life of residents across government-owned housing schemes.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, appealed during a stakeholders’ engagement and public enlightenment programme organised for residents of the state’s housing estates within Badagry Division held at the LagosHOMS Housing Estate, Amuwo-Odofin.

Akinderu-Fatai, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola, stated that while the state government will continue to invest in housing infrastructure and estate maintenance, the long-term sustainability of public housing estates depends significantly on the cooperation and active involvement of residents.

According to him, residents have an important role to play in protecting shared infrastructure, complying with estate regulations, supporting sanitation initiatives and fostering peaceful coexistence within their communities.

He also urged residents of the state government-owned estates to prioritise participation in the monthly sanitation exercise recently reintroduced by the state, noting that the stakeholders’ engagement initiative forms part of the ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen collaboration between government and residents, as well as creating channels for feedback that support improved service delivery in public housing estates.

The residents received information on estate management, infrastructure protection, fire safety, consumer rights, insurance coverage, environmental sanitation, domestic violence prevention and emergency preparedness

They also interacted with government officials of relevant agencies and stakeholders on issues affecting the estates.

The programme further provided an avenue for residents to discuss matters related to power supply, security, sanitation, water systems, recreational facilities, and other community concerns, with ministry officials outlining ongoing and planned interventions to enhance living conditions in government-owned estates.

Chairman of the LagosHOMS Amuwo Odofin Residents Association, Monsuru Tiamiyu, while commending the initiative, described the engagement as a valuable platform that has strengthened communication and cooperation between residents and the government.

He expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its commitment to improving living standards in public housing estates and for providing residents with opportunities to engage directly with relevant authorities on matters affecting their welfare.

Tiamiyu also assured the ministry of continued support of residents in protecting shared infrastructure, promoting environmental sanitation and contributing to the overall development of the estate.

In his response, the Permanent Secretary said that the Lagos State Ministry of Housing would continue to sustain stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment programmes as part of efforts to strengthen residents’ participation, promote responsible community living, and ensure effective management of public housing estates across the state.