LASG TASKS CONTRACTORS ON TIMELY COMPLETION OF HOUSING PROJECTS
The Honourable Commissioner for Housing in Lagos State, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai has tasked contractors handling various housing projects to intensify efforts for timely completion of the projects.
Akinderu-Fatai, who gave the charge on Wednesday during a site inspection of some housing schemes under construction at Sangotedo, Ajah and Lekki, expressed displeasure at the failure of many of the contractors to meet up with expected milestones as contained in their contracts signed with the State government.
“It is sad, that many of the contractors are not meeting up with our expectations in terms of timelines, particularly at Sangotedo. The consequence of delayed completion include deterioration of structures, need for variations in the cost of schemes as well as security risks to neighbouring settlements”, he stated.
Apart from frowning at the slow pace of work, Akinderu-Fatai also condemned the manner in which some of the projects were being executed without recourse to original work plans approved by the government.
He revealed that some contractors not only deviated from the original plans but have adjusted the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) without obtaining consent from appropriate authorities.
He said, “The vision of the State is to raise the bar and set new standards in Estate development and this can only be achieved when all parties involved comply with global standards and terms of the contract. The articulation of our vision for a new order as we promote the regeneration of our cities is very crucial”.
“The quality of homes and safety of end-users are paramount considerations to the State government and cannot be compromised. Changing the standards is not only dishonest but also dangerous”, he added.
The Commissioner revealed that the site visit was to have first-hand information on the actual situation of many of the ongoing housing schemes, observing that some contracts will soon be reviewed or revoked for non-compliance with the terms of the agreement.
While noting that the government is committed to the delivery of houses without further delay, he reiterated the resolve of the present administration to provide affordable and quality homes to the people of the State.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who was on the entourage alongside the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola and other State officials, advised that integrity tests should be conducted on houses that had not been worked upon in the past five years.