Housing deficit: Navy to build 850 units

In a bid to bridge the housing deficit in the country, the Nigerian Navy is set to construct 850 housing units in Badagry following approval by Lagos State Government.

The Managing Director, Naval Building and Construction Company Ltd, Commodore Gabriel Aligwe, disclosed this yesterday during the commissioning ceremony of five major projects at the Navy Estate Karshi, Abuja.

He said “The company has also concluded plans and been granted approval by Lagos state Government to commence construction of 850 housing units in Badagary. This will go a long way in reducing National housing deficit and support the Federal Government’s plan to provide housing for all.

The projects commissioned include a 5 room staff accommodation at NOWA Educational Center, female transit accommodation, 305 units Shopping Complex, Fountain Park, and Navy Building and Construction office Complex (NBCCL).

Commodore Aligwe said the NOWA Educational Centre project is a way of thanking their wives for their support.
He explained that there are also 10 ongoing projects in the Estate which will be completed before December.

These he said include the golf course, the swimming pool complex, construction of 10KM roads, 3 new fountain parks, and gardens and one beautiful Brick City amongst others.

The President Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) Barr (Mrs) Theresa Ibas, while commissioning the projects at Navy Estate Karshi said the projects are borne out of the need to better the lots of the community and naval personnel.

Mrs Ibas said the 5 apartment project is to address the acute accommodation and space problem the school was facing.

“The rising student’s strength meant a requirement for more teachers but this was unsupported by commensurate expansion of the accommodation facilities on the ground.

“Accordingly it became necessary to embark on this project to ensure that the learning environment was improved and the accommodation needs of our personnel and staff was eased to motivate them to more effectively discharge of their duties,” she said.

The Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas who was represented by Rear Admiral Jatau Luka commended the MD NBCCL for his visionary leadership qualities.

Admiral Ibas also commended the collaboration between the NN and NOWA which he said is the reason for the successes towards improving the welfare of personnel through education for their wards and other basic facilities.