The traffic bottleneck that has almost crippled economic activities in the Apapa area of Lagos, did not deter affluent Nigerians from investing in the latest housing estate developed by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, LSDPC. But for those who braved the odds to buy into the scheme, the bad days are now few, if the words of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola are to be believed.

Fashola who commissioned the luxury estate which he named after one of the oldest Senators from Lagos State, Mr H.A. B. Fashinro, promised to embark upon the regeneration of Apapa and its environs next year.

Blaming the pathetic state of infrastructure in Apapa which houses the major sea ports from which the Federal government allegedly generated N188 billion revenue last year, on the failure of Federal Government agencies to do their work, Fashola said his administration would soon embark upon the regeneration of the area to make life better for the residents.

The regeneration would involve the construction of more access roads in the area. The Governor who decried the menace of tanker driver and motorcyclists popularly called okada in the area, declared:”They are stretching our patience and very soon, we will respond in a decisive manner”.

Greater collaboration

Canvassing greater collaboration between the residents and the local government, he explained that such measures will assist the government to reclaim Apapa.

Multiplier effects of the estate

Governor Fashola stated that the completion and commissioning of the highbrow estate, the 4th in the last three months, re-validates his position that housing needs should not be politicised. According to him, housing needs cut across the various strata of the society. He promised to use the profits from the sale of luxury estate to subsidize the construction of low-income housing. On the multiplier effects of such projects, the Governor stated that about 2,558 persons were employed by both LSDPC and the contractors who worked on the scheme. He noted that if we have 10 of such sites, unemployment would have been reduced drastically.

Fahola stated that government must lead the way for the private sector to follow adding that investment in the country will check capital flight.

The estate

HAB Fashinro court or LSDPC Apapa GRA court, according to the Managing Director of LSDPC, Mr Biodun Oki, sits on a 1.635 hectares parcel of land which used to serve as the corporation’s staff quarters.

The estate comprises 10 blocks of six units-three bedroom flats. In all, there are 60 flats in the court which is sited on Dan Fodio Street, Apapa GRA.

“We adopted a layout design that enhances and fosters the sense of community while retaining for each block, adequate space for service and parking. The flats have been luxuriously designed to meet with the taste of the target market. Each flat has a large master bedroom with a design that allows for a smooth flow from the sitting and dining areas. The kitchen is fitted elegantly while all the bedrooms are en-suite,” he said.

Attached to each flat, according to Mr Oki, is a maid’s room with convenience. The houses have been completely purchased and the cost included the cost of maintenance and insurance cover for three years as well as the cost of preparing the Deed of sublease.

“We have taken time to complement the blocks with necessary external works like water treatment plant, paved driveways and walkways, drainage, street lighting and lush greenery. There is a neighbourhood centre with a mini-mart, salon, pharmaceutical shop and gym. Back-up power generator is also provided to complement the Power Holding Company of nigeria, PHCN and ensure 24-hour power supply for common facilities.

In conceiving this estate, we are mindful of the prevailing land use within the district, hence our target was the executives who have had to wade through Lagos traffic daily to get to their offices,” Mr Oki said.

Consultants

Messrs Segato Limited was the projects main contractor while Guarantee Trust Bank funded the construction. Other members of the project team were: BAF Engineering Services which handled the road and drainage construction; Rutum Nigeria Limited for external electrification and Feabi Nigeria Limited which acted as the water engineers.