Why Oyo is turning Govt. Quarters into flats, by Ajimobi
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has said that his administration decided to go into partnership with private investors to reconstruct and re-designate Government Quarters into luxury flats so as to earn revenue for the state.
He stated this on Tuesday at the turning of sod ceremony of reconstruction of Government Quarters into apartment flats called “Olive Court Estate” in Ibadan.
Located on 2 hectares of land, the state government is reconstructing the quarters in partnership with the UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) and the first phase of the construction is expected to be delivered in six months.
The governor recalled that the previous government before his had sold a large number of the quarters to its functionaries and friends alike but rather than do this, his government decided to benefit “the greatest number of the people” by turning the remaining few quarters into money-yielding venture for government.
“You will recall that a great number of Government Quarters were sold by the government before ours to officials, friends and allies alike. Our administration came on board to meet a few Government Quarters that survived these questionable sales. Rather than continue on this path, our government decided to embark on a partnership with housing investors to reconstruct the remaining old quarters into luxury apartments that will rake in billions of naira into the coffers of government and meet the housing needs of our people,” he said.
Ajimobi said his government’s commitment to providing housing units for the people was its own way of using “the power that God has given us” to do good to a great number of people.
While speaking, the Managing Director of UACN Property Development Company, Mr. Akeem Ogunniran, praised the government for what he called its giant strides in its urban renewal initiative and development of the state.
He said the UPDC was doing the unusual by moving out of its traditional area of operation, which is Lagos, into Oyo State for a partnership with government.
“This event is historic because it is the first time that UPDC will develop a residential estate outside its traditional areas of operation. It is also the first joint venture which we are commencing with a state government,” he said.
While stating that the apartments will add value to the people of the state, Ogunniran promised that the estate will be the best and first of its kind in the state.
The estate will comprise 9 units of 5-bedroom detached houses, 22 units of 4 bedroom semi-detached houses and 19 units of 3 bedroom terraces that will contain recreational facilities like swimming pool, gymnasium, club house and other facilities.