Ogun plans to tackle housing deficit in 2016

In a bid to reduce the challenges confronting housing deficit in the country, the Ogun State Housing Corporation has signified its readiness to construct more housing units across the State at a reasonable cost.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing Development, Arch. Jumoke Akinwunmi made this known at a budget defense of the Agency before the House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation at the Assembly Chamber, Abeokuta.

Arch. Akinwunmi noted that a total amount of N3,556bn would be spent in the 2016 fiscal year with the Recurrent Expenditure of N415,000,000.00 and Capital Expenditure of N3.141bn respectively against N906,961,050.77 spent in the outgoing year.

She added that the State would witness massive turnaround in housing development, explaining that arrangements were in top gear to partner with Shelter Afrique Company and the Federal Mortgage Bank on public / private collaboration.

According to Akinwunmi, ‘’it is noteworthy to say that the Corporation is confident in making houses available to the residents of the State as the proposed budget estimate for 2016 is all encompassing to make it a reality’’.

She added that more professionals such as, Land Surveyors, Electrical Engineers, Quantity Surveyors would be engaged in the core areas of building construction in order to deliver quality housing units with essential facilities that would make them withstand the test of time.

Akinwunmi however said the Agency would vigorously pursue the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for 2016 so as to enable the State Government meet up with the aspiration of the people.

In his remarks, the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Akanbi Bankole commended the Corporation for its efforts geared towards making housing available for the people in spite of dwindling resources, encouraging the Agency to always consider the low and middle class residents in its projects.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning has planned to create additional area offices in some densely populated areas of Akute, Agbara, Ijoko,Atan-Ota, Ifo & Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Areas of the State among others, in order to meet its target in revenue generation.

The Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Bashorun Adebola Adeife made this known in Abeokuta while receiving the State executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners led by its Chairman TPL. Francis Oyekunle in his office.

Bashorun Adeife said the N4billion proposed revenue could be generated by the Board if the twenty Zonal Offices in operation was evenly increased and the officers were more empowered through provision of operational vehicles as estimated in the proposed budget.

He charged the professional body to be closer to the Ministry as their expertise and professional advice would be needed from time to time in other for the citizens of the State to benefit immensely from the activities of the Ministry, adding that at least five slums within the Urban settlements in places like Abeokuta, Ota, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro shall be upgraded.

The Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, TPL Francis Oyekunle urged the Ministry to look for ways of fast tracking the process of applications submitted by the developers in order to forestall the resurgence of illegal structures in the State.

Bashorun Adeife however promised to look into their demands and do the needful.