FG to construct 250 units housing scheme in Calabar – Minister

To reduce the housing deficit in the country, the Federal Government is to construct 250 units of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments in Calabar under the Renew Hope Houing Scheme.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, stated this when he led a team of contractors on a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, in Calabar on Monday.

Dangiwa, represented by Mr Alfa Simeon, Federal Controller of Housing and Urban Development in the state, said that the construction to be carried out in two phases of 125 units each, would be completed in six months respectively.

“The uniqueness of this housing project is that it is expandable. A room can be expanded to two and two to three.

“The reason for this is that we want to be able to ensure it is affordable to civil servants at the initial stage of purchase.

So, if they have money in the future, they can expand it to suit their needs,” he stated.

Also, Dr Francis Ekpenyong, Head of Renew Hope Houing Scheme, said that the project, which was facilitated by Sen. Asukwo Ekpenyong, has been awarded to eight contractors to execute.

He said that the Renew Hope Houing Scheme would have a police post, internal roads, water, and electricity.

Ekpenyong commended the Obong of Calabar, whose community provided 25 hectares of land for the housing scheme, and promised that the community would be carried along during the construction of the housing units.

The official said that construction of the Renew Hope Houing Scheme was already ongoing in 12 states of the federation.

“what brought us here is to formally introduce the eight contractors to the Obong and also inform him that construction is about to begin on the land he graciously donated for this purpose.

“We have eight contractors, four for construction and the other four to work on the infrastructure such as water, electricity, and roads.

“It is worthy of note that the Senator representing Cross River South was instrumental to see this projects come to Cross River.

“We are also appreciative of the governor who made things easier for us as regards facilitation of the land for the project,” Ekpenyong said.

A contractor, Mr Michael Afolabi, said that the project would create a minimum of 1000 direct and indirect jobs for the people of the state.

“We are here to formally introduce ourselves to the Obong and for us to be welcomed into the community that is going to be the greatest beneficiary of the project.

“The scheme is a good initiative of Mr President as youths and the people of the community and the state at large will be productively engaged during the construction period,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Obong advised the contractors and officials of the housing scheme to carry the community along in the execution of the project.

He also urged the federal government to ensure that the project was completed within the specified time and to standard.

“I hope this will not be another project that will be abandoned midway into it and thereafter become hideout for criminals?

“I also want the government to ensure the construction of standard housing units that the community and the state will be proud of,” he said.