Sounds warning against contractors abandoning work.
The minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and Deputy Governor of delta state flagged off the renewed hope affordable housing programme in Delta state. the housing programme is one of the initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as stated in his Renewed hope Agenda.
The ground breaking ceremony held during the weekend was for a 250-unit estate at Ekpan, in the Uvwie council area of Delta state.
The scheme which is projected to be completed in three months will provide decent and affordable housing to all Nigerians, create jobs, boost economic development and fulfil the promises of the president.
Disclosing that under phase one of the programme, the Federal Government planned to deliver a total of 50,000 housing units across Nigeria, the Minister charged the contractors to keep with the three-month deadline.
“With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development. This is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to stimulate inclusive growth, lift 200 million Nigerians out of poverty, and build a $1 trillion economy,” the Minister stated.
Highlighting that the phase one ground breaking exercise had been carried out in the North for 1,500 housing units, he said the second phase included 2,000 housing units across eight states in the South and North Central.
“This second leg will see us break ground for a total of 2,000 Renewed Hope Housing Units across eight states in the South and North Central. We started on Wednesday with 250 units in Ebonyi; Thursday we were in Abia for another 250 units, yesterday we were in Akwa Ibom for another 250 units and today we are happy to be here in Delta to flag off another 250 units. Next week we will proceed to Osun, Oyo, Benue, and Nasarawa states for 250 housing units in each of these states,” the Minister said.
According to him, the proposed 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 further explained that the housing units were designed to allow for future expansion as the income of beneficiaries increases.
Addressing the contactors whom he identified as Messrs Good News Creative Ideas Ltd, First Class Capital Projects Ltd, and Gozcom Investment Ltd, he charged them to deliver the job as specified.
“I want to emphasize in very strong terms that we will not tolerate substandard work from any developer, and we will explore all necessary legal means, to ensure that they deliver as per the contract. If you collect government money, you must do the work.
“We also want the developers to adhere to the timeline and finish within three months so that we can begin the process of getting Delta indigenes to purchase and move in,” Dangiwa said.
He further commended the State Governor for providing the land at “no cost”.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori posited that the acquisition of land was made easy by his administration in a bid to encourage more Nigerians to own houses.
He said: “I am very pleased with this project which will help to ameliorate the housing deficit not just in the country but also in Delta State.
“Affordable housing in Nigeria is a recurring problem worsened by a rapidly growing population, inflation, poverty, and a lack of access to mortgage; the problem ranges from shortage, affordability, equality, and accessibility which as a result, many urban dwellers face the risk of displacement, homelessness and social exclusion.
“Recent statistics indicate that as of 2023, the housing deficit stood at 28 million units, marking an alarming 100 percent increase over the past one and half decades. Also, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, indicates that only 10 percent of Nigerians aspiring to own a house can do so.
“It is, therefore, imperative that government at all levels devise creative solutions to addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria.
“As a government, we are committed to facilitating the easy acquisition of land for investment purposes because access to affordable land is one of the major obstacles to the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria”.
He thanked the Federal Government for including Delta among the 13 States for the commencement of the Renewed Hope Housing Estate project.
On his part, Prince Sam Ogrih, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Goodnews Creative Ideas Limited, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for extending the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate programmes to Delta state.
He also appreciated Governor Oborevwori for providing the land for the project, stating that the gesture “underscores his commitment, dedication to enhancing the wellbeing of the people of Delta state”.
Meanwhile the minister declared that abandoned works would not be tolerated. All developers handling its Renewed Hope Cities and Estates across the country were to refrain from doing shoddy jobs or be ready to face the law.
