Experts have called for the prioritization of large-scale investments in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) for seamless movement of goods, services, and persons, to stir growth and sustainability.
The experts described TOD as a planning strategy that concentrate jobs, housing, and services around public transport stations, suggesting it’s an ideal model to manage Lagos State expected population boom.
According to a report, Lagos is projected to become Africa’s most populous city by 2050 and one of world’s largest urban centres with over 30 million residents.
The Strategic Advisor at Diya Fatimilehin and Co., Mr. Lanre Olutimilehin, while delivering a keynote address at the launch of ‘Eko Dream Homes, Phase 1’ by Cube Square Concepts Projects Limited in Lagos recently, tasked Lagos State Government on proactive efforts to be able to withstand projected population surge and consolidate its status as local economic power house.
Speaking on ‘Creating Livable Cities, The future of residential development in Lagos’, Olutimilehin charged the state administrators on innovations that will make the state worth living in and not just a place to live.
He said: “A livable city is more than bricks and mortar, it’s about dignity, walkable streets, functional infrastructure, green public spaces, safe housing, and inclusive communities. It is about people being able to live, work, and thrive in the same city without compromise.
“Singapore was once a congested, low-income city-state with land scarcity and social divisions. It is now a global benchmark for livable urban planning. Lagos needs a similar system to manage land growth coherently, not reactively.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Cube Square Concepts, Mr. Adegbenga Fashola, at the launch of the home explained that the latest was designed with the future of Lagos in mind, ensuring that residents and sojourners have a worthy home in Lagos.
He explained that the project, a two units of three bedroom apartments valued at N4.5 million per annum, guarantees a decent living environment for low and middle income class Nigerians.
Fashola also seized the occasion of the launch to advocate seamless and digitalized building approval process, citing some bottlenecks in this area that slowed down project progress.
“We had a lot of challenges building in Lagos, but the dream and desire to accomplish it kept us going. We have plans to build hostels in Yaba and other strategic locations for students. Our shorts and medium terms plans focus is at Ikorodu, Epe and badagry.
“Building structures for public use has its own way of contributing to nation-building and bridging the enormous housing gap Nigeria faces. We are delivering these thoughtfully -built homes to the great people of Amuwo Odofin and Lagos State in general,” he said.
Source: This Day