By OGWUCHE SUNDAY, Abuja
Enugu State Government and beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned 70 housing units under the phase I of the National Housing Programme (NHP) of the federal government in Enugu State.
The housing project which comprises 16 units of three-bedroom, 24 units of two-bedroom, 24 units in condominium and 6 units of one -bedroom apartments was commissioned during a ceremony took place at Amankpaka Autonomous Community, Ugwogo Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state, a statement from the ministry said.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Enugu State , Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi , commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, for the laudable initiative of providing these houses for the teeming rural communities in the state which he said was the first ever National Housing Scheme in the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works, Engr Gregory Nnaji, the Governor noted that provision of shelter anywhere brings development and improve livelihood hence they appreciated the government of President Buhari for providing the houses.
One of the beneficiaries through the fulfillment of the promise made to the 1994 Super Eagles Team members who won the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia 1994 by the federal government, Mr. Christian Chukwu, while delivering the vote of thanks expressed profound gratitude to the government for the kind gesture.
He said he was delighted to have taken full possession of his own semi-detached three bedroom bungalow.
On his part, His Royal Highness, Eze Akpata 1 of Amankpa Nike Autonomous Community Ugwogo, Enugu, Engr Damian Ikechukwu Edeh, thanked the federal government for the project and the state government for siting the project in his domain, adding that the physical infrastructure is a development facilitator as the area which used to be a hideout for robbers and kidnappers has been cleared made home for his subjects.
President Muhammadu Buhari, represented at the event by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Geoffrey Onyeama, expressed delight over the completion of the housing project which according to him was in fulfillment of the promise of change his administration made to the people at its inception.
President Muhammadu Buhari appreciated Enugu State Government for the intergovernmental collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing through the provision of the land which, according to him, was once left fallow, but today has come alive to shelter ordinary Nigerians, for the project. He described it as “One of the developmental approaches across levels of governments to improve human condition."
Buhari reiterated that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which "drive our economy, won the contracts to build these houses. Not only did their successful bids offer an opportunity for these companies and their employees both skilled and unskilled workers through them, and we have also unleashed a value chain of economic activities that has improved the conditions of the ordinary Nigerian".
Speaking further, the President said, "These are some of the people our country remains committed to move towards prosperity and away from poverty and we are already reaching them by providing opportunities for employment to those who were hitherto unemployed."
While making his remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who was represented by the Director, Housing in the Ministry, Arc.Iquo Lucy Uzodinma, stated that the 70 housing units under Phase I being commissioned were the outcome of a survey conducted throughout the federation.
"In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desire," he said.
Fashola explained that the survey revealed a preference for bungalows in Northern Nigeria and flats in Southern Nigeria, adding that the survey also showed the need for space which, according to him, “Is why the one bedroom units are 60 - 70 square metres and two bedroom units 76 - 103 square metres while three bedroom units are110 - 137 square metres."
Fashola also disclosed that the housing units are offered to the public through the National Housing Portal at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/”to ensure that interested buyers are not inhibited by any “artificial obstacle and that allocations are made on the basis of those who apply and pay on a first-come- first-served basis."
The Minister added that Nigerians would witness many more commissioning of completed projects across the nation as President Buhari's tenure wines down, adding that many more projects would soon start to bear fruits.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by the Federal Controller of Housing, Enugu State, ESV Emmanuel Eijie, stated that the Ministry was promoting local content in building construction in line with Executive Orders 3 and 5.
According to Alkali, at least 1,200 building contractors have been engaged under Phases I, II and III of the housing programme since 2016 and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs have been created.
“During this period, the Ministry has been undertaking the construction of at least 6,000 housing units at 45 sites out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 34 States and the Federal Capital Territory,"he said.
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