Many housing schemes initiated by the Federal Government are bogged down by numerous challenges in different parts of the state.
Many housing schemes initiated by the Federal Government are bogged down by numerous challenges in different parts of the state. Daily Trust on Sunday brings the second part of the Federal Government Mass Housing Scheme series on the situations in some North-East states which include, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Damaturu, Gombe and Jalingo.
Bauchi
In Bauchi, houses so far completed are faced with diverse challenges. While some fittings are vandalized by vandals and the paintings have started to fade, those yet to be occupied have been turned to relaxation centres by some youths.
African Housing News checks indicated that the contract for the first phase of the housing project which covers one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses is at the completion stage. However, reports said that some of the houses damaged would be repaired by contractors before they are commissioned.
A visit by our correspondent to the project site along the Bauchi-Ningi Road also indicated that fittings, especially windows and other metallic objects are in bad shapes. The site was deserted as only few workers were seen building three blocks of the houses.
Head of the security guards at the site who simply introduced himself as Daniel told African Housing News that the first phase of the project which commenced in 2016 had been completed for over two years and awaiting commissioning.
“After the completion of the first phase, some youths, young women as well as uniformed personnel turned the site to a recreation centre. They come to socialize in the houses. In the process, hoodlums damage many fittings and cart away items.
“Five months ago, officials from the ministry sent additional security guards who blocked the main entrance and restored sanity in the area,” Daniel said.
“Apart from the security challenges, the area is also battling with environmental challenges because some completed houses have been outgrown by grasses.
“Efforts are, however, being made to restore sanity because gardeners have been engaged to clear the brushes. Also, cleaners have been hired to be constantly sweeping and cleaning the house.
He also disclosed that the houses have been scheduled for commissioning: “One contractor handling the project recently revealed that the houses which were completed long ago would undergo repairs. The houses will be repainted soon before the commissioning, while fittings either damaged or stolen will be replaced.”
Efforts made to get the reaction of officials and contractor handling the project in Bauchi proved abortive at the time of filing this report.
Yobe
In Yobe State, 180 of two-bedroom semi-detached housing units were constructed under the 2016/2018 National Housing Programme in Maisandari Ward along Maiduguri Road, Damaturu.
The project which was awarded to multiple contractors is taking place in phases – phases I, II and III.
Our correspondent who visited the site found out that large portions of the housing units were in shape. They have been completed over three years ago, but were not allocated to people, while some are currently under construction.
Baba Abdullahi who lives around the project site said he once raised the alarm to the contractors about some elements coming to burgle the site to steal valuables.
Abdullah said the buildings had been abandoned for too long without occupants or enough security guards, thereby leaving them at the mercy of vandals.
He said some solar powered street lights installed in the area were also destroyed by tempest.
A source at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing who does not want to be …
National Mosque Set To Embark on a N29bn Revenue Generating Edifice, Calls For Support
Management of the Abuja National Mosque has launched an appeal for funding of revenue-generating edifice that would financially sustain activities of the mosque.
The call was made at a stakeholders’ meeting during the weekend in Abuja to brainstorm on how funds could be sourced for the development and construction of a N29 billion shopping mall and other structures.
The Murshid of the mosque, Prof Shehu Galadanci, stated that the endeavour was to enable its financial independence towards supporting Da’awah and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.
He said the last appeal fund organised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not factor in how the mosque could stand alone to cater for its responsibility but focused on the repairs of dilapidated areas.
He, however, disclosed that there was a discussion with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to raise capital for the project but emphasised on donations from well-to-do Muslims to support the work.
Ibrahim Bunu, an architect, who served as the Chairman, Technical Committee of the project, said the project would sit on 2.2 hectares of land with construction in three phases.
The former minister of FCT revealed that the land would house residential areas, office buildings, hotels among other structures that would fetch money for the mosque.
He stated that the appeal was for the first phase which is the shopping mall as it would be too expensive to undertake all at once. On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged all Nigerian Muslims to take ownership of the project.
