Affordable Housing Still Long Way to Go in Lagos

A new report released by the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has revealed a shortfall in affordable and social housing provisions in Lagos State. The report shows that despite applaud-able efforts of the state in providing housing, there is need to focus more on affordable housing and social housing sectors. It stated that housing maintenance was also a major gap that needs to be filled, stressing that the state needs a serious long-term strategy to ensure housing development enjoys its useful life and benefits. The experts, housing is considered affordable when it’s appropriate for the needs of a range of very low to moderate income households and where family or an individual can afford for 30 per cent or less of their income.  It is estimated that over 12 million households in the state pay more than 50 per cent of their yearly income on housing.  The document noted increased focus on public private partnership and intervention for housing delivery by the State Government; however, it insisted on the need for a long-term strategy for maintenance of housing estates built by the government. The report maintained that rising demand, emerging middle class, rapid urbanisation and the level of infrastructure compared to other Nigerian states has kept land prices in Lagos high and amongst the most sought after prime land in Nigeria. The preliminary report also expressed concerns on coastline pollution made, recommendation for urgent pollution Management, reducing the use of plastic products and chemical fertilizer, preference for reusable bottles and cutlery as well as reducing the Energy Use. On engineering index, it stated that quality of engineering graduates from universities and polytechnic in Lagos was a major concern by the industries over the years adding the industries mostly complain of inadequate skills required especially up to date cutting edge technology, having low practical know-how and lack of confidence.