Lagos urges residents to support safety, maintenance in public housing estates

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has reiterated the need for active resident participation in maintaining safe, secure and well-managed public housing estates as part of efforts to improve living conditions across government-owned housing schemes.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, made the call during a stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment programme for residents of Lagos State housing estates in the Badagry Division, held at the LagosHOMS Housing Estate in Amuwo Odofin.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola, the commissioner said the sustainability of public housing estates depends not only on government investments but also on the commitment of residents to protecting shared facilities and infrastructure.

He noted that residents have a responsibility to comply with estate regulations, support sanitation initiatives and promote peaceful coexistence within their communities to ensure the long-term viability of the estates.

Toriola also urged residents of government-owned housing estates to actively participate in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise recently reintroduced by the state government, describing cleanliness as a key component of community safety and wellbeing.

According to him, the stakeholder engagement programme forms part of the ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen collaboration between residents and government, while creating opportunities for feedback that will enhance service delivery in public housing estates.

During the event, residents received information on estate management, infrastructure protection, fire safety, consumer rights, insurance coverage, environmental sanitation, domestic violence prevention and emergency preparedness. They also engaged officials of relevant agencies on issues affecting their communities.

Speaking on behalf of residents, Chairman of the LagosHOMS Amuwo Odofin Residents Association, Mr. Monsuru Tiamiyu, commended the initiative, describing it as an effective platform for improving communication between residents and government. He pledged the continued support of residents in safeguarding public assets, promoting sanitation and contributing to the development of their estates.