Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Federal Government, Thursday, began the construction of 250-housing unit estate in Bende, Abia State, with a mandate to the developers to deliver the project in three months.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, said the project was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy to provide affordable houses for Nigerians.
The Minister, therefore, tasked the developers on quality, and to build according to specifications.
“We have created different options to enable everyone who has a source of income and livelihood to own these homes when they are completed.
“These include single-digit mortgage loans that beneficiaries can repay over 30 years and rent-to-own schemes provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and outright purchase options for those who can afford to pay upfront.
He further explained that under Phase 1 of the housing scheme, the Federal Government intends to deliver a total of 50,000 housing units across Nigeria.
“This includes seven Renewed Hope Cities that will have between 500 and 1,000 housing units per site in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country and the FCT, while the estates will have 250 units per site in the remaining 30 states. With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development.”
Dangiwa who said that the project would be funded from the N50 billion 2023 supplementary Appropriation for the Ministry, assured states yet to benefit from the programme that they would not be sidelined.
“We are diligently funding these projects from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget that Mr. President approved for the Ministry to ensure sustainability, quality, and geographic spread.
“I want to assure states that have not been covered under the 2023 Supplementary Budget will be included in the Ministry’s 2024 Budget on the condition that they provide land at no cost to enhance affordability.”
According to the Minister, about 6,550 jobs will be created in the value chain during the construction of the project.
The Minister applauded Governor Alex Otti, for promptly granting the request for the provision of land at no cost, adding that “this singular action has helped to reduce as much as 30 per cent, the cost of the units in the estate for the benefit of the buyers.”
He further assured that the proposed federal secretariat at Ekeoba in Ohuhu Umuahia, would be delivered.
According to him, the project is in line with Government’s plan to have a strong presence in each state of the country.
Speaking, Governor Otti who was represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, said his administration’s policy on housing was in agreement with that of the Federal Government.
Otti thanked President Tinubu for approving the project which he said, would not only provide affordable accommodation for the people but also create job opportunities.
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this laudable project. This project will create jobs for Abians and keep our youths busy.
He promised to support the actualisation of the project, while reiterating the resolve of his administration to provide shelter for Abians.
Earlier in a remark, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, said Abia Government’s efforts towards addressing accommodation challenge were in line with the President’s vision to provide affordable houses for all Nigerians.
Ugochukwu Otti, an Architect, who spoke for the developers, said that the estate “comprises 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.”
He said “the project is designed in a way that makes them affordable by using organic designs to allow for future expansion as the income of beneficiaries increases.”
Otti assured that all the necessary facilities including network of roads, articulated water system and electricity shall be provided at the estate.
HRM Eze Anthony Chukwu who spoke for Bende royal fathers, thanked the Federal Government for siting the project in the area.
The monarch said the project would help stimulate the economy of the area, while assuring the full cooperation of his people and other communities in the area.
