Lafarge, Shelter Afrique seal housing development deal

IN fulfillment of its social responsibility, a leading cement manufacturer, Lafarge Africa Plc has unveiled plan to positively impact on Nigeria’s housing industry, signing last week a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Pan-African housing and development institution Shelter Afrique.

 The MoU, it was learnt, is meant to create more housing stocks for the middle and low-income classes of Nigerians, who may prefer to key into what has been termed as significant housing solution in Nigeria.

 When, the homes are eventually delivered, the gesture, would further reduce the nation’s 17 million housing unit’ deficit. 

  The agreement has been signed for an initial period of four years and will begin with the development of already identified 20-acres sites in Abuja. 

  Under the terms of the MoU the areas of cooperation include provision of assistance to define the best construction technologies for use in affordable housing and micro-finance projects as well as supply of cement and concrete products for projects.

  At the signing ceremony, in its Ikoyi office last week, Group MD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Guillaume Roux, said his company felt the need to assist the government in its strive towards housing Nigerians, hence it went into partnership with reputable organisation like Shelter Afrique, which has the capacity to deliver on such volume of housing project.

  “This is in furtherance of Lafarge’s objective of complementing government’s efforts to boost national development through improved infrastructure, industrialisation and economic growth. Our commitment to bring more housing and better solutions to contribute to building better cities in Nigeria will be enhanced with the implementation of this agreement, which represents a new major step in our affordable housing program.”

  According to Roux, “The vision of Lafarge is to help about two million people around the world to have access to housing. We want to fill the gap of housing deficit in Nigeria.” 

He noted that the group started its affordable housing programme tagged: “Ile Irorun,” in October 2013.

“So far, over 6,000 people have been impacted by the scheme through more than 1,000 constructions, with each beneficiary having an average of six members in their families,” Roux said.

 Roux added that, the partnership would drive down the cost of housing for the populace and that the number of housing units to be provided would be decided after due consultation.

  “We need to drive cost down; that is why it is important for us to work with key stakeholders that are experienced, hence, our partnership with Shelter Afrique. The idea is to also look for ways to expand the market,” he said.

  Lafarge has developed an affordable housing programme to address today’s needs for decent and sustainable housing for all. The Company brings its expertise to offer affordable housing solutions to populations with low purchasing power. Since 2013, the programme has provided access to decent housing for 250,000 people in 18 countries.

  Managing Director, Shelter Afrique, Mr. James Mugerwa, at the occasion said “we once again show that we are always keen on building strong partnerships and finding efficient ways to deliver affordable housing, which is a shared vision we have with Lafarge. 

  “It also shows our joint commitment to Nigeria, a very important market for affordable housing and a key player in the region.”