By Mercy Aikoye
The House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning has expressed disappointment with the progress of the Renewed Hope Estate Project in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
Chairman of the committee Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante Dagomie criticized the four contractors handling the project, emphasizing the need for competent contractors to ensure proper implementation.
The committee’s dissatisfaction stems from the poor job done on the Umu Etuk-Spencer Esin slum upgrade road network in Oron. Despite being funded up to 30% by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the work done so far is less than 6%. The project, awarded in June 2024, should have been completed by September 2024.
Hon. Abiante stressed that the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, should engage sincere and experienced contractors for federal projects. He called for the total reconstruction of the Umu Etuk-Spencer Esin road slum upgrade, citing the contractor’s use of substandard materials.
The contractors handling the 250 housing units in Uruan, Uyo Capital City, and the slum upgrade road in Oron Local Government Area have been accused of sabotaging the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope housing scheme. The contractors in question are Springwell Intercontinental Resources, Tunsoye Trust Global Link, Hyosungs Nigeria Limited, and Logine Limited.
Abiante directed the clerk to invite the Minister of Urban Development and Regional Planning and the four contractors to appear before the committee. This move aims to expose the challenges and limitations hindering the projects’ implementation.
The Renewed Hope Estate Project is part of the federal government’s initiative to provide affordable housing. The project’s slow progress and poor execution have raised concerns about the government’s ability to meet its housing targets.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development had previously stated that the Renewed Hope Housing Programme aims to deliver 50,000 housing units across Nigeria. The programme is expected to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development.
The House Committee’s oversight visit highlights the need for accountability and transparency in project implementation. Ensuring that contractors meet the required standards is crucial to achieving the government’s development goals.
