By Daniel Tyokua
President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the 748-housing units of 75 blocks constructed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Zuba area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Buhari said the initiative was another step by the federal government to tackle poverty and provide better shelter for the populace.
He noted that the project contributed to several jobs during its construction, which is part of his administration’s commitment to make lives better for the citizens.
The AUTHORITY recall that the FHA housing Estate Zuba is one of the initiatives of management of the authority to provide solution to the housing challenges in the country.
It was initiated in 2017 but came to fruition with the approval of an initial grant of N5 billion by the president, which was released to FHA in 2018.
“Housing supply is one of the indices of Multidimensional Poverty Index that challenges our people and the completion of the project will provide solutions for the beneficiaries. The new home owners who benefit from this estate will has taken a step up on the ladder of prosperity from poverty.”
While admitting that the government has more to do for more Nigerians to own homes, he said the government would not relent to complete housing projects before he leaves office.
“One of the measures we have consciously deployed to attack poverty, create prosperity and developed our economy is our aggressive provision of infrastructures nationwide. Our promise of change is being fulfilled to the homeowners.”
While congratulating the new owners of homes in the estate, he urged them to live in harmony and collaborate with the FHA to bring lasting development to the area.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said the beneficiaries pf the estate include those who paid through mortgage, one-off payment and rent-to-own.
“The completion of the project indicate our commitment not to leave abandoned projects. Its construction gave employment to Nigerians include artisans and food vendors who frequent the are a to make money for themselves and their families.”
The Managing Director of FHA, Senior. Ashiru Ashafa, said the authority funded the project through a N7.5bn grant from the government and N2bn from its internal generated revenue.
He said the estate has 1,2 and 3 bedrooms blocks of flat as well as a 3-bedroom terrace, adding that FHA would soon commission its 336-housing units in Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory.
