From Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Ogun State government has approved the allocation of 15 housing units from the affordable housing programme in Itanrin, Ijebu-Ode, to the affected residents of Igbegba Housing Estate, whose houses were recently demolished.
15 housing units were affected by the recent demolition, as the state government intensified its urban regeneration programme.
Mr Wole Ojo, the General Manager, Ogun State Housing Corporation, while speaking during a visit to the site, described the exercise as a form of urban regeneration programme to ensure that buildings meet the current reality, as the housing units have lost its value.
Ojo said residents were given four months notice prior to the demolition exercise, adding that mortgages have also been extended to the people at a discounted interest rate.
He said some of the residents have also keyed into the affordable housing programme of the state government.
“The state government is aware of the present economy of the country and, as a result, has made it mandatory to find succour for the residents of the estate by giving them relief measures, including the opportunity to key into the affordable housing scheme, as well as the avenue to access loans,” he said.
In his contribution, one of the affected residents, Mr Akeem Rasheed, said the state government gave them a four-month notice to vacate the quarters so that the regeneration exercise could commence in earnest, but pleaded with government to ensure that their promise of relief measures should not be thwarted at the end of the day.
He noted that with the promise kept, residents would forever be grateful, adding that the magnanimous gesture of the state government would remain indelible in their minds.
