Realtors raise concern over High Cost of Rent, Seek Direct collaboration with Delta Govt to restore sanity
By: Ghene Igbogidi
Realtors in Asaba and Okpanam, have expressed concern over the high cost of renting apartments, in Asaba and environs. They are seeking the direct intervention of the Delta State Government, to help curb the trend, and to check the high rate of activities of fake realtors, who regularly defraud unsuspecting members of the public, with little or no repercussions, they are seeking the collaboration of State Ministries of Housing and Lands in tackling the issues of fake realtors and exorbitant prices charged by landlords.
The President General, Association of Organised Realtors, Asaba/Okpanam, High Chief Nnamdi Ogbonma, made the call when he was a guest on Delta Today, a current affairs programme, broadcast on Bridge Radio FM.
Chief Ogbonma said it is disturbing to hear constant complaints of innocent people being duped of their hard earned resources, without a trace to apprehend the culprits.
He said his Association, has the capacity to bring some sanity into the sector, but needs the firm support of the State Government.
He pointed out that those engaging in the unlawful acts, are well known to them, and that some arrests were made in the past but with no legal muscle, there is yet no sanity in the sector.
Chief Nnamdi Ogbonma, called on people seeking residential accommodation, to make sure, they patronize registered service providers, instead of patronizing quacks, who end up failing in their contractual agreements.
Adding that there is only one Association for realtors in Asaba and Okpanam, which is the one he heads – Association of Organised Realtors, Asaba/Okpanam.
Stressing that times have changed so drastically that honesty and integrity are no longer factors in business.
“Everyone looking to rent an apartment should endeavour to undertake some level of due diligence on the realtor he/she is dealing with, to forestall ugly outcomes, until the fraudulent ones are weeded out”, he said.
He blamed the Yahoo Boys not the high influx of people with free cash into the State capital, for the rise in the cost of housing. “Although building materials are expensive now, it is not the major cause of high rent in Asaba. This influx is a major factor”, Ogbonma said.
According to him, those who engage in the illicit business usually offer higher payment, when in search of accommodations.
Chief Nnamdi emphasised that his association is ready to partner with the State Government to establish low cost housing in different areas of the capital territory and change the narrative in the Housing Sector.
