Lagos promises low- cost housing, improved infrastructure in Alimosho council

LAGOS State government plans to focus on specific planning policies, which will improve the lives of communities in Alimosho local council, and ensure sustainable, and functional cities. Among the plans for 13 areas such as Ipaja, Amikanle, Egbeda and Igando is the provision of improved housing through higher densification and regeneration approaches, provision of low- cost housing schemes and improved public transportation.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide disclosed this during at the final stakeholders meeting on the review of the Alimosho Model City Plan. The commissioner said that strategies provided in the plan will ensure efficient land use and zoning, enhanced transportation and connectivity, and the creation of sustainable and resilient infrastructure, as well as the preservation of cultural heritage and public spaces, among others.

Olumide said Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu's administration has invested in the preparation of physical development plans to guide the development of nooks and crannies of the state to realise the vision of making Lagos a 21st- century economy.

"Several remarkable efforts in directing the growth pattern of our bourgeoning Lagos, through plan preparation, execution and implementation have evoked the continuous attention of government, which now metamorphosed into the preparation of 13 different master and model city plans, nine action area plans and nine development guide plans to revitalise the state in both spatial and sectoral aspects.’’

He also explained that the recent redesignation of the mandate of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development by the governor and the creation of two offices there, that is Office of Physical Planning and Office of Urban Development respectively, sought to provide added impetus to efforts to achieving livable, organised and sustainable built environment.

The commissioner expressed excitement that the final stakeholders meeting on the subject was coming in quick succession to a similar one, held on the review of Lagos Island Model City Plan, as well as the receipt by the Office of Physical Planning of the completed Ikorodu Master Plan, while different levels of other master plans were at various completion stages.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluwole Sotire, said, while explaining the purpose and duration of the plan, that the 20- year plan( 2020- 2042) was aimed at developing strategies that would transform Alimosho local council into a model city of choice, adding that stakeholders' contributions were necessary to make the process participatory, and the outcome people- oriented. He said the residents were the beneficiaries, as the plan's many advantages include the creation of employment and wealth, as well as the creation of an inclusive, equitable, effective, efficient and environment- friendly place to live, work and prosper.

On his part, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Lekan Shodeinde, said that his Office would work with the Office of Physical Planning to ensure strict implementation of the plan, while the General Manager, Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority ( LASPEMA), Daisi Oso, stressed the need for people's cooperation for the sustainable use of public setbacks and open spaces.

Earlier, Project consultants, Messrs Corporate Castle Limited, Firstplus Planning Consultants and Tade Planning Services presented the revised Alimosho Model City Plan, while the Director, Regional and Master Plan in the Office of Physical Planning, Kunle Salami, highlighted the regeneration approaches, and noted the provision of low- cost housing schemes and improved public transportation in the proposed plan.