Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has made a heartfelt plea to landlords and landowners in the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, urging them to resist the temptation to increase rents for residential and commercial properties. This appeal comes on the heels of the inauguration of newly constructed roads and a bridge in the area, a project designed to significantly improve transportation and connectivity. The Governor emphasized that the infrastructural improvements, including the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga roads, are intended to enhance the quality of life for residents, not to create an opportunity for landlords to impose additional financial burdens. He stressed that the purpose of the project is to provide relief and improve the living conditions of the community, not exacerbate existing economic challenges. Sanwo-Olu’s appeal underscores the importance of ensuring that the benefits of public infrastructure projects directly reach the intended beneficiaries, rather than being absorbed by increased housing costs.
The newly inaugurated Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga roads, spanning 643 meters and incorporating a bridge with slip roads, represent a significant investment in local infrastructure. This project, commenced in October 2022, replaces a precarious wooden bridge situated over a swampy area, previously subject to tolls. By providing a safe and efficient transportation route, the new infrastructure is expected to significantly alleviate the commuting challenges faced by residents, contributing to improved accessibility and economic opportunities. The Governor’s plea to landlords emphasizes the social responsibility that accompanies such improvements, urging them to prioritize the well-being of their tenants and the community as a whole. He called for landlords to recognize the spirit of the project, which is centered on community upliftment, and refrain from exploiting the improved infrastructure for personal gain.
Sanwo-Olu’s appeal also carries a broader message about the equitable distribution of the benefits of public investment. He highlighted the need for a collaborative approach between the government and the community, emphasizing that infrastructural development should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens. His request to landlords can be interpreted as a call for shared responsibility in ensuring that the positive impact of public projects is maximized and reaches the intended recipients. This collaborative spirit extends to the maintenance of the new infrastructure, with the Governor urging residents and community leaders to prevent the bridge from becoming a dumping site, thereby preserving its functionality and aesthetic value for the benefit of all.
Further emphasizing his commitment to addressing long-standing community concerns, Governor Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated the reconstructed Alapere pedestrian bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area. This bridge, previously damaged by an articulated vehicle in December of the previous year, serves as another example of the administration’s dedication to improving public infrastructure and enhancing safety within the state. The reconstruction of the pedestrian bridge underscores the government’s responsiveness to community needs and its commitment to providing safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure, particularly in areas where such infrastructure is crucial for the daily commute and overall well-being of residents.
Mr. Olufemi Daramola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, highlighting the administration’s persistent focus on initiating and completing projects that directly benefit the people. This dedication to impactful infrastructural development is evident in the numerous projects undertaken across the state, aimed at addressing critical needs and improving the quality of life for residents. This proactive approach to infrastructure development underscores the government’s commitment to providing tangible solutions to long-standing challenges faced by communities, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall living experience for residents.
The call for rent control in the face of improved infrastructure highlights a complex dynamic in urban development. While infrastructure improvements often lead to increased property values and potential for higher rents, the Governor’s appeal emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in determining rental prices. It reflects a concern for the potential displacement of lower-income residents due to rising housing costs, underscoring the importance of balancing economic development with social equity. The appeal to landlords is a reminder that the primary beneficiaries of public infrastructure projects should be the residents themselves, and that the benefits should be accessible to all, regardless of income level. It reinforces the idea that urban development should be inclusive and strive to enhance the lives of all community members.
