Professionals caution Lagos over Adeniji Adele estate reconstruction plan

Amid preemptive measures being proposed by the Lagos authorities to rebuild  Jakande Housing Estate on Adeniji Adele Street in Central Lagos, professionals in the built environment have advised the state government to embark on a holistic approach and studies, which will provide a lasting solution to deplorable conditions of the houses and succor to the property owners on completion of the buildings.

They urged the government to conduct structural integrity and soil test on the estate as well as ensure the property owners get better deals, and provided with temporary accommodations or cash incentives to rent apartments while the construction commences.

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola in an unscheduled visit to the estate pledged to rebuild some blocks as some buildings were structurally defective. Some of the buildings had even begun to sink, with the ground floor already submerged. “It is expedient that the structurally defective buildings should be pulled down in order to avoid an imminent disaster, pointing out that government would not fold its arms and allow an avoidable disaster to happen in the state again”.

Commenting on the issue, a town planner,  Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, while commending the government for its proactive measure, advice that some of the above issues are well thrashed out in advance to avoid any needless controversy.

Kadiri noted that housing provision is not only to provide shelter, but also to ensure security of lives and property and by extension, to enhance the economic activities of the people.

“However, I would want government to avoid the Tejuoso market experience, where some of the original traders were not able to be accommodated after its completion and this was contrary to government’s promise when the idea of rebuilding the market was mooted,” according to Kadiri who was former President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).

A builder, Mr. Chucks A, Omeife, described the move as “commendable proactive step”.
According to Omeife, who was  immediate past President, Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB), the decision of Lagos State government to rebuild the Adeniji Adele Jakande Estate is a proactive step, taking into cognizance, the level of dilapidation of some of the structures and the attendant risk associated in the event of a collapse.

It is however very important for government to ensure that the existing occupants are giving priority in terms of allocation and eventual occupation after the rebuilding.

Source: The Guardian Newspaper