Lagos warns estate residents against unwholesome practices

The Lagos State government has warned residents of government-owned estates against unwholesome practices and disregard for the rules and regulations outlined in their allocation letters.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the warning following an enforcement action at the Lateef Kayode Jakande Estate in Igando, where some residents were reported for committing energy theft by bypassing the electrical connections in their apartments.

The Guardian gathered that, in recent times, the Ministry of Housing has received numerous reports of energy theft, misuse of shared facilities, and refusal to pay statutory estate dues.

Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Housing, said these negative reports highlight disturbing instances of residents flouting rules in state-owned estates, whether they purchased homes outright or obtained them through the Rent-To-Own scheme.

Akinderu-Fatai stated that the Ministry of Housing would not accept situations where residents bypass and abandon existing infrastructure such as water systems and electricity, opting for individual solutions that distort the estate’s landscape.

The Commissioner also condemned residents who broke seals on apartments previously sealed for various violations, warning of severe consequences for such actions.

While some residents appealed for leniency, the Ministry emphasized that it will not condone these actions in any state government estates going forward.

“The Lagos State Government has provided all facilities needed in government-owned estates, and the maintenance of these facilities is the responsibility of residents through state-appointed facilities managers.

“Residents were also reminded that every Lagos State government housing estate is designed to promote ideal communal living, and resident representatives should be supported to ensure the sustainability of estate facilities,” the statement concluded.