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FHA Inaugurates FESTAC Projects, Set To Ban Commercial Motorcycle Operators
By Grace Alegba
The Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Mr Oyetunde Ojo, on Monday appealed for collaboration among stakeholders and prompt payment of ground rents to restore FESTAC Town to its former glory.
Ojo made the appeal in Lagos during the inauguration of the reconstructed FESTAC Town First Gate and solar-powered street lights along First Avenue.
He also announced plans to ban commercial motorcycle operators in the estate by 2026.
He explained that the rebuilding of the estate’s First Gate and the installation of solar lights were part of a broader regeneration plan aimed at enhancing security, mobility, sanitation, and livelihoods in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of providing livable and secure neighbourhoods.
According to him, President Tinubu has mandated FHA not only to build new houses but also to maintain existing estates.
“When I assumed office, FESTAC streets were in total darkness, sanitation was poor, and infrastructure like gates and roads had collapsed. That was why we swung into action.
“The entrance gate had totally collapsed, the road to First Avenue was impassable, and First, Second and Seventh Avenues were in complete darkness,” Ojo said.
He disclosed that the rehabilitation of Seventh Avenue had already been awarded to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), while FHA was handling other projects.
Ojo also lamented that FHA had not received budgetary allocations since 2003, hence the call for residents to pay their ground rents to enable better service delivery.
He revealed that FHA had revived an abandoned project involving the sand-filling of 2,000 hectares of land, ordered by the Federal Executive Council about 15 years ago, and that President Tinubu was keen on completing both old and ongoing projects.
“We are working on the Fourth Avenue bridge to finish the ramp and road. Already, FESTAC Town, Ije-Dodo and Abule Ado have been connected, and within two or three months, the road will be motorable,” he said.
On the planned ban of commercial motorcycles, Ojo said tricycles and mini-bus shuttles would be sufficient alternatives.
He also promised to work with stakeholders to ensure effective enforcement of the ban.
FHA’s Executive Director of Projects Implementation, Mr Oluremi Omowaiye, explained that over 20 truckloads of unsuitable road materials had been removed and replaced with interlocking stones to ensure durability.
“We are here to serve, and in everything we do, we cannot compromise standards,” he said.
Omowaiye also disclosed that many estates were going off-grid and that FESTAC would soon enjoy 24-hour uninterrupted power supply.
Similarly, FHA’s Executive Director of Estate Services, Mr Ezekiel Nya-Etok, urged residents to manage expectations while appreciating the sacrifices made by FHA staff and management to deliver improved services.
“We are committed to FESTAC, and we appeal to residents to support us,” he said.
The President of FESTAC Residents Association (FTRA), Mr Mohammed Adegbenro, pledged that residents would take care of infrastructure within the estate.
He, however, called for the revival of the former tripartite collaboration between FHA, the local council, and residents to achieve lasting progress.
Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Mr Lanre Sanusi, also emphasised collaboration while highlighting council interventions such as the clearing of shanties in Abule Ado and Second Rainbow to restore FESTAC.
He urged residents to pay ground rents and desist from illegal refuse dumping.
Mrs Stella Osafile, who represents Amuwo Odofin Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, appealed to residents to take ownership of projects and infrastructure to prevent abuse, theft, or damage.
She further highlighted ongoing state government support for infrastructure renewal in FESTAC, stressing the importance of collaboration.
(NAN)
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