The Lagos State Government has mapped out strategies for the reduction of urban blight, according to the Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Urban Renewal, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule.
Onabule, who made this known during a management retreat for the officers of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), stated that the Agency is set to stimulate an enduring legacy to reduce urban blightthrough Private Public Partnership (PPP) on slum redevelopment as against direct government funding.
She said that the present administration is determined to create an enabling environment for the private investors, adding that it would also make regulations to strengthen the existing Law guiding the operations of LASURA for operational efficiency.
Also speaking at the retreat, the General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Lateef Sholebo explained that the resolve to ensure the reduction of slums has engendered new initiatives because according to him, slums in Lagos have increased from 42 to over 100 in the last 15 years.
He said that the focus is to shift from the traditional way of tackling the issue to a more pragmatic and holistic approach to achieve a sustainable and resilient environment.
Sholebo said that the Agency would soon introduce some initiatives to achieve these objectives as well as restore the fast disappearing trust between slum dwellers and the government.