DEMOLISHED BADIA EAST: LAGOS GOVT SEEKS RECONCILIATION The Lagos State government in order to ensure peace and protection of life and property, on Thursday, made efforts to foster amicable reconciliation between the government and the displaced residents of the demolished area. The government attempted this by giving an explanation and allowing the aggrieved residents to say their mind at a meeting with stakeholders organised by technical committee of the state executive council, which was held at the National Theatre. Badia East, known as Oke Ilu-Eri, was demolished in February to give way for the construction of the Lagos home ownership scheme. The technical committee, through its chairman, Mrs Folasade Faseun, informed residents that the state government called the meeting as a sign of its concern in matters that affect its citizenry. She called on them to express their minds and ask questions so that all areas of conflict could be resolved and the government could settle all issues in a fair manner to all concerned. She added that the meeting came about as a result of the government’s recognition of the need to dialogue with individuals and residents that had grouses. Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr Bosun Jeje, told the displaced residents that the government embarked on clearing the affected areas of temporary wooden houses in its quest to improve the living standard of residents in the state. He stated that the proposed construction of 1,008 housing units at Ijora-Badia was part of the government’s efforts to transform Lagos into a mega city, adding that the first phase of 288 housing units would be completed in December 2014 to provide affordable housing to the people. “To be able to achieve our vision of making Lagos State Africa’s model mega city and global financial hub that is safe, secure, functional and productive, in this instance, require a collective effort. We must ensure the eradication of filthy, unhealthy living environment,” he said. Also, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Lagos State Solicitor-General, in his comments, said compensation would be paid to residents whose structures were affected by the redevelopment of the area. “The position of the government is to sanitise the place and make it habitable, otherwise it will continue to be a slum. The development process is in phases and the government, out of its magnanimity, has come out to say it will compensate residents who are affected,” Pedro said. The Ojora of Ijoraland, Oba Fatai Aremu, also appealed to the affected residents to cooperate with the state government towards ensuring the success of the project.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Jul 2013 08:57:35 +0000
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