Banana Island Residents Demand Action over Poor Services, Soa...

Samuel Mobolaji

Residents and tenants of Bella Vista Apartments in the upscale Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, have raised fresh concerns over poor maintenance, rising insecurity, and steep increases in service charges, urging the homeowners’ board to address what they described as persistent neglect and financial exploitation.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the residents highlighted unresolved financial discrepancies involving advances paid to the former facility manager, Daleji, which they claim remain unaccounted for months after the service provider’s contract was terminated.

According to the group, the newly elected chairman of the residents’ association, Mr Abhulimen Victor, had assured residents via the community’s WhatsApp platform that Daleji would refund outstanding deposits within two to three months. However, nine months later, the funds remain unpaid, despite repeated follow-ups.

The residents also expressed concerns about deteriorating safety standards, particularly faulty elevators that pose risks to lives. They recounted a near-tragic incident where an elevator reportedly plunged from the 10th floor before halting midway, trapping passengers inside. For over a year, only one of the two lifts in each block has remained functional, they said, despite continued billing under the guise of maintenance.

“The lifts are over 12 years old and in dire need of replacement. Yet the board continues to list maintenance expenses even though half the elevators don’t work, and the others are dangerously unreliable,” the group stated.

Beyond the elevators, residents criticised the new service provider, ATIS, for failing to ensure consistent electricity, clean water, and the upkeep of key amenities like the gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, and garden areas. Despite maintenance fees rising fourfold within nine months — now exceeding N1 million monthly per apartment — the group claims the services have sharply declined.

One resident noted: “The swimming pool was shut for five consecutive days. The tennis courts are in poor condition, and power and water outages are frequent. Broken showers, malfunctioning lights, and unsafe lifts have become the norm.”

The residents accused the board of ignoring repeated calls for dialogue and transparency, even as some board members reportedly exited the community’s communication channels to avoid accountability.

“We are not only paying for these services but are also investing in the wellbeing and safety of our families. What we get in return falls far below what the fees imply,” they lamented.

The group is calling for urgent reforms including an audit of service accounts, clear communication on fund management, and a complete overhaul of health, safety, and maintenance practices within Bella Vista.

They concluded: “Residents deserve transparency, accountability, and respect. No one should have to pay millions in maintenance fees only to live in fear of failing lifts, unreliable utilities, and neglected amenities.”