As part of developmental agenda, the Federal Government has inaugurated 70 housing units which comprise 16 units of three-bedroom, 24 units of 2-bedroom, 24 units in condominium and 6 units of one-bedroom apartments in Enugu State.
The commissioning ceremony took place at Amankpaka Autonomous Community, Ugwogo Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state under Phase One of National Housing Programme of the Federal Government.
President Muhammadu Buhari represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Geoffrey Onyeama expressed delight over completion of the housing project as a fulfillment of the promise of change the govt made to the people at its inception.
According to the statement released by the Works Ministry, the President appreciated Enugu State Government for intergovernmental collaboration with the Works and Housing Ministry through the provision of the land for the project, which was once left fallow, but today has come alive to shelter ordinary Nigerians.
He described it as “One of the developmental approaches across levels of governments to improve the 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.”
“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 for those who were hitherto unemployed”, he added.
He directed that in the fulfillment of promise of change made by this administration that 22 units of the houses be reserved for the 1994 Olympic medalists in fulfillment of a pledge made to them 28 years ago by the then Federal government to encourage others that wish to sacrifice for their country.
In his goodwill message, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, commended the President and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN 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 of Works Enugu State , Engr. Gregory Nnaji, the Governor noted that provision of shelter anywhere brings development and improve livelihood and for that they appreciated the government of President Buhari for providing the houses.
While making his remarks, The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who was represented by the Director Housing of the Ministry, Arc. Iquo Lucy Uzodinma, stated that the 70 housing units under Phase 1, comprising 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, completed and being commissioned were 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 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 ably 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.
In a goodwill message, 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.
He added that the physical infrastructure has developed the area. The royal father noted that the area which used to be a hideout of robbers and kidnappers has been cleared.
The President General of the Amankpa Community, Hon. Joseph Onu added that the community needs employment for their unemployed youths and urged the community to rejig the existing infrastructure for the betterment of their community.
One of the beneficiaries under the Federal Government fulfillment of the promise made to the 1994 Super Eagles Team members who won the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia 1994, Mr. Christian Chukwu while delivering the vote of thanks expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for this unforgettable gesture.
He said he is delighted to have taken full possession of his own semi-detached three bedroom bungalow.
The housing estate has internal roads, drainages, water reticulation and a central borehole with overhead tanks and electricity.