The Delta State Government has unveiled a comprehensive housing plan to address the increasing accommodation challenges across the state, including a target of over 400 housing units in various localities across the state.

The state government also announced new policies to regulate housing agents and rent charges.

The State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, disclosed these initiatives while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Government House Chapel, led by its Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, during a courtesy visit to his office in Asaba.

Highlighting some of the ministry’s recent interventions, Angele said that in partnership with federal agencies, the state would soon inaugurate 30 one-bedroom apartments at the 181 Amphibian Battalion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

He added that the ministry recently renovated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Asaba, and is currently working on a two-storey building comprising 40 self-contained rooms at Admiralty University, Ibusa, near Asaba, the state capital.

According to the commissioner, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the construction of 12 four-bedroom duplexes for permanent secretaries in the state.

“The contractor is ready, and the groundbreaking ceremony will take place soon. We are targeting completion within a year,” Angele said.

In response to a looming strike by medical doctors in Oghara over housing shortages, the ministry has delivered 20 one-bedroom flats, with more to follow.

On efforts to address rising rent prices, Angele said the ministry has commenced the registration of housing agents to regulate their operations.

“We’re setting up a taskforce to clamp down on agents who exploit tenants. A bill will also be sent to the State House of Assembly to regulate rent, particularly in urban areas like Asaba,” he noted.

“The aim is to curb exploitative practices and ensure protection for low-income earners. We are also exploring Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to reduce housing costs. By God’s grace, we will roll out a low-cost housing scheme during my tenure,” the commissioner said.

Earlier, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye commended the commissioner for his “visible strides” in the housing sector and urged him to tackle the escalating cost of rent, especially in Asaba and its environs.

Olannye noted that Delta State currently ranks among the highest in rent costs nationwide and called on the government to consider replicating the Jakande, Alaba, and Amuwo-Odofin estate models of Lagos State.