Borno government to build 210, 000 housing units

The Borno State government has pledged to build 210, 000 housing units to bridge the accommodation shortages in the state. The State Governor Babagana Zulum, who disclosed this at the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of 500 houses in the state, said urban dwellers will get 10,000 houses, while 200, 000 units would be constructed for the rural residents.

According to him, the rise in the cost of rent and acquisition of houses have forced residents to patronise shanty settlements with attendant environmental hazards at the periphery of Maiduguri metropolis.“ The policy thrust of this administration is the provision of affordable houses for low/middle level income households living in urban and rural areas. Implementation of policies and programmes in various sectors of economy will ensure sustainable economic development and growth. We’ll not compromise on the terms of contracts, including adherence to standards on building materials that could withstand harsh desert weather conditions,” he said.

The governor said the N5 billion housing projects would be supervised by 20-member committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Usman Kadafur. The 500-housing project, comprise 400 two-bedroom and 100 one-bedroom houses. Prof Zulum said, the project would be completed in nine months and will contain a police post, market, school, clinic and a fire service.

Flagging off the houses, Zulum disclosed that N1.6 billion-mobilisation fee; was released to the committee on the project, for contractors to move to project site along Damaturu road, Maiduguri. According to him, the housing project will also create more jobs for the unemployed youths adding that construction activities in the housing sector; could enhance State’s local economy to fast-track economic development and growth.