Lagos decries vandalism, looting of government property, seeks citizens’ support

To benefit from UK’s mobile development programme
The Lagos State government has decried the vandalism and looting of its housing projects, which oftentimes leads to setbacks in delivering some of its schemes.

It charged community leaders and residents to assist in securing government’s investments and property, especially ongoing housing projects in the state.

It vowed to deliver on its promises in the housing sector in spite of the setbacks caused by vandals, who carted away fittings from some ongoing housing projects in the state.

Speaking yesterday during the inspection of housing schemes in Ibeshe, Igbogbo, Agbowa, Odo Onosa and Ayandelu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Wasiu Akewusola, stated that government’s commitment to meeting the housing needs of Lagos people was non-negotiable.

“We will continue to forge ahead in delivering on our mandate in spite of setbacks, especially the looting of some of the projects by miscreants. The security of the housing schemes constructed with taxpayers’ money should be a joint venture between the people and government.

“Securing undelivered housing schemes is best done by the host communities, because of their proximity and understanding of the terrain of those areas,” he stated.

Akewusola decried the situation where uncompleted housing projects have been vandalised through removal of fixtures, transformers cannibalised and electric poles removed in some of the schemes.

Responding, Oba Aderibigbe Asunmo and Oba Ayandelu of Odo Ayandelu commended the state government for the housing scheme in Odo Onosa and Odo Ayandelu.

They, however, appealed for quick completion of the projects in anticipation of their socio-economic benefits to residents.

Meanwhile, Lagos State is to benefit from the United Kingdom (UK’s) 38 million Pounds extended programme on mobile development in Nigeria.

United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign Commonwealth Office, who also doubles as Minister of State, Department for International Development (DFID), Harriett Baldwin, disclosed this yesterday during a visit to the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat in Alausa Office.

Baldwin said the mobile for development programme was to enable over 27 million people in the world and Lagos to access financial services through their mobile phones and buy things like solar system for their homes and businesses.

Responding, Hamzat assured the UK team that the state government was ready to collaborate with the UK government in any area that would be beneficial to Lagos people.

He stressed that the state government would sensitise Lagos citizens to understand the benefits of the programme and take adequate advantage of it.