Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri January 15, 2020.
Governor Babagana Umara of Borno state; has laid foundation for the construction of 500 housing units to bridge housing deficits across the state. The N5 billion housing project; will be supervised by 20-member committee of the Deputy Governor, Usman Kadafur. According to him, the housing project sites; are located along Damaturu and Gubio Roads, with 300 and 200 houses respectively. He said the housing estates, are to contain a police post, market, school, clinic and a fire service to check any fire outbreak.
While flagging off two and one-bedroom houses on Wednesday; Zulum disclosed that N1.6 billion mobilization fee; was released to committee for contractors move to project site along Damaturu road, Maiduguri. His words: “There is rise in cost of rent and acquisition of houses. The situation has forced some residents to resort to shanty settlements with attendant environmental hazards at the periphery of Maiduguri metropolis.
“The policy thrust of this administration is the provision of affordable houses for low/middle level income households living in urban and rural areas. “Implementation of policies and programmes in various sectors of economy will ensure sustainable economic development and growth. “We’ll not compromise on the terms of contracts, including adherence to standards on building materials that could withstand harsh desert weather conditions,” he said. He said that the 500 housing project, comprise 400 two-bedroom and 100 one-bedroom houses to be completed in nine months. According to him, the housing project will also create more jobs for the unemployed youths. He noted that construction activities in the housing sector; could enhance State’s local economy to fast-track economic development and growth. He also pledged to build 10, 000 houses to bridge deficits in shelter for people living in urban and rural areas with 200, 000 housing units.
