Considering the ‘Goose’
It could really be annoying when one of the proverbial Goose eggs is suddenly not gold. It is therefore understandable when the no-nonsense Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode was infuriated after one of the 6,000 home units developed by Lekki Gardens collapsed and killed about 30 people.
On hearing the collapse of the 5-storey building at Lekki under construction, the governor immediately moved to the site and expressed his displeasure over the unfortunate incident and since then, his actions showed that he is bitter.
Though investigations are still on to determine the exact cause of the building collapse, but Lekki Gardens, just like the governor is also livid over the dead of some people resulting from the collapse and the consequences of the whole incident on its brand built over the years.
The company regrets the loss of lives as a result of this incident and “we are making every effort to provide adequate medical care and attention to the survivors”, it said in a statement.
Lekki Gardens, a reputable residential property development company which has successfully completed and delivered over 6,000 units of houses across Lagos, Ogun, Rivers State and the Federal Capital territory, Abuja in the past 4 years and most of them already occupied said the construction work was suspended on the collapsed building in January this year when structural defects were identified.
The obvious intention of Lekki Gardens, a foremost player in the burgeoning real sector of the Nigerian economy is to provide high quality homes for the middle and upper class in a country which has over 17 million housing deficit. By the beginning of 2015, the company as the goose that lays golden eggs, had delivered 2,500 housing units at affordable prices to owners who are not known today to have issues with their houses, says Olabode Samuels, a professional licensed agent with over a decade experience in Real Estate in a report.
The company understands the dangers and consequences of serial building challenges on its brand and “therefore, no reason for greed on the part of a housing provider, certainly, not one that has built a reputation for meticulousness, as well as safety of customers and clients, within the short period of its existence”.
“Our serviced properties are positioned as quality affordable home units with strong value increase potential to the average income earners. We occupy a market space that our customers are our only competitors. This is why we have remained undoubtedly committed to fulfilling our customers’ expectations. As an operation policy, we deliver all our homes as shell units to our esteemed customers to allow them opulently express their sense of luxury and style”, the company said.
Assessing the developments since the building collapse, a public analyst, commended the Lagos State government on is actions to protect the citizens but advised on the cautious handling of the Lekki Gardens issue in order to further encourage the company’s intention to continue to lay golden eggs and narrow the 17 million housing deficit. It also needs encouragement on its huge investment and contribution to employment and the economy.
Daniel Obi