...As one of the beneficiaries, Chairman Christian Chukwu Thanks FG for fulfilling promise made to him 29 years ago
President Muhammadu Buhari, Thursday commissioned a housing project under the National Housing Programme (NHP) phase 1 in Enugu State, South East Nigeria.
The housing project which consists of 70 housing units, road infrastructure, water provision and electricity connection is located at Amankpaka Nike Autonomous Community, Ugwogo, Enugu East local government area of Enugu State.
Commissioning the project, president Buhari said the housing estate “is an example of the fulfillment of that promise of change” he made in 2015 while seeking for office.
Thanking the government of Enugu State for providing the land for the project free of charge, the President who was represented by his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Geoffrey Onyeama, said the project “is a good example of some of the developmental possibilities that inter-governmental collaboration can produce and I’m optimistic that with the provision of more land, the Federal Government certainly can do more.”
Onyeama further stated that the progressive ideals of the Buhari’s administration is to improve the human condition, and the “housing estate has achieved it in many ways.
“The Micro, Small and Medium size businesses who drive our economy were the ones who won the contracts to build these houses. Not only did their successful bids offer an opportunity for these companies and their employees, through them, we have unleashed a value chain of economic activities that improved the conditions of the ordinary Nigerians.
“They engaged suppliers who benefit from sub-contracts for the supply of building materials from sand to cement, roofing and plumbing materials to doors and electrical fitting.”
The President further stated that aside fulfilling their message of change and improving the human condition through the housing project, “it provides an opportunity to remember our heroes, the valiant Super Eagles to whom our country made a promise of providing Housing for winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, which has remained unfulfilled.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I feel proud and privileged to redeem the promise Nigeria made to these patriotic Nigerians, even if belatedly.
“…I have approved allocation to redeem rye outstanding allocation to 22 members of the Super Eagles in National Housing Estate located in their State of choice, and their keys and title documents will be handed over at the commissioning in their state while the remainder of the housing is allocated to willing members of the public.”
The President also revealed that the contract for the maintenance of the houses in the states the project is completed, has been handed over to “small businesses to ensure that the estates are maintained and kept in good repair.
In his speech, the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, said the project phase 1 consists of 70 housing units which is made up of 24 units of 2-bedroom bungalow; 16 units of 3-bedroom bungalow; 24 units in condominium (I bedroom-4, 2 bedroom-16 and 3 bedroom- 4) and 6 units of 1 bedroom bungalow (using stabilised earth.)
Mr. Fashola who was represented by Arc. Iquo Lucy Uzodinma, Director (Housing) Fed. Ministry of Works and Housing, said the project is “the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desired.
“The survey revealed a prevalent need for bungalows in the North of Nigeria and flats in the South of Nigeria.
Mrs. Uzodinma who read the Minister’s speech said that those interested in accessing the housing project should visit the National Housing Portal at https//nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng to commence the process of owning any of the houses of they so desire, stressing that its on a first come first served basis.
On the mode of payment, She said: “While we welcome those who can afford to pay outright, it’s not a condition for eligibility and we have offered flexible payment options like mortgages and rent to own which we encourage applicants to pursue.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the members of the private sector; his colleagues in the FEC who supported this idea and approved the initiative; the members of the NASS and their contractors.
In his Remark, the Governor of Enugu State Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented by his Commissioner for works, Engr. Greg Nnaji, said the project is part of the collaboration between the state and federal government.
He said Enugu State is known for hospitality and ready for more partnerships like this because it’s in line with the focus of Ugwuanyi administration in rural areas development.
Bashir Nura Alkali, the permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing said the housing project is “part of Mr. President’s development agenda of addressing housing needs in Nigeria.
He further stated that: “The building contracts were awarded in November, 2016 at a total cost of N720, 492, 210.87. The infrastructural contracts were awarded in May, 2017 at a total cost of N526, 060, 044.26. Road, drains and asphalt finishing- N349, 331, 656.26, Electricity supply and installation of 500Kva transformers cost N87, 603, 863.00, Motorized borehole cost N89, 124, 525.00.
Speaking earlier at the event, Hon. Obinna Joseph Onu, the President General of Amankpaka Nike autonomous community, Ugwogo Nike, said the project has brought huge development to their community and has made the hitherto fallow land which formed a safe heaven for criminals to be a habitable place.
He however decried the negligence of the community by the Federal Government in the allocation of the houses, adding that non of their son nor daughter benefited from the scheme despite the fact that they donated the large expanse of land free of charge, adding that their youths needs employment opportunities, good drinking water among other things.
One of the beneficiaries, Christian Chukwu who gave the vote thanks, thanked the president for fulfilling the promise that was made to him and his colleague over 24 years ago.
He said that his joy knows no bound because the keys to his own allocation in the housing project has been handed over to him.
