Bagudu turns sod for low-income estate in Kebbi

Kebbi State Government has turned the sod for the construction of two-bedroom bungalows estate at Zauro, near Birnin Kebbi, for low-income earners.

Laying the foundation stone yesterday at Zauro, Governor Abubakar Bagudu affirmed commitment to improving the living condition of ordinary persons and for them to own houses.

The governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, added that his administration would partner with agencies, organisations and other development partners to facilitate the socio-economic development of the state.

“I announced that on completion of the houses, priority would be given to victims of flooding rendered without shelter and other indigent persons at 50 per cent discount of the total cost,” he said.

Urging the developers to ensure that the project was completed on schedule, in accordance with specifications, the governor announced that amenities to be provided at the layout include recreational facilities.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Mahmud Warah, had said the ceremony marked the beginning of other housing schemes to be constructed.

In pursuance of commercial enterprising, the commissioner said the government had constructed modern markets in Ambursa, Jega and Argungu, while new stalls were built at the new Birnin Kebbi market.

The Managing Director of Ommi Frontier International Investment Limited, Godflint Nzeson, said the programme started in 2017 as part of the international agenda for 2020 houses in Nigeria to address the problem of housing in the society.

Represented by National Coordinator, Dr. M. Alkali, the MD said the project would be executed in other parts of the country, adding that Kebbi was the first to benefit in the North West zone.

He said 70 per cent of the houses were reserved for displaced persons, while 25 per cent would be distributed among the vulnerable and civil servants at affordable cost.

In her remarks, the Financial Adviser to the Project Coordinator, Dr. Lilan Iwu, said Kebbi Housing Project would be one of the best in view of the commitment of the state government to its success.