Edo government, Mixta Nigeria unveil Emotan Gardens

A private developer, Mixta Real Estate Plc, has unfolded plans for its joint venture project in Upper Sokponba Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

The 70-hectare affordable housing scheme, named Emotan Gardens is being executed in partnership with Edo Property and Development Agency (EDPA). When completed, it would consist of 1,400 units and built in several phases.

The estate offers buyers two and three Bedroom bungalows, bedroom block of flats, four bedroom Bungalow, four bedroom semi-detached (twin duplex) and serviced and commercial plots and aims to cater for all income levels of the society by providing low to high density housing with a diversity of house types.

Fenced and gated, the estate will offer a secure perimeter, access control and 24-hour security services. Amenities in the estate will include recreational parks, retail and shopping centres, places of worship, security post, schools, a health centre, quality infrastructure including access roads and drainages, an artificial lake and pedestrian promenade and a heritage park to showcase the rich culture of the people.

Head, Business Development and Sales, Mixta Nigeria, Korede Lawrence, explained the company has released about 400 units to the property market. “We are executing the project in phases, and as such the contribution for every phase is different. Our first release consists of two-bedroom units while others are of other types. That is to get people through the barriers of buying.

“The government has looked at how it would add value by subsidising some of the house types for civil servants and people that do their jobs adequately, as a way of rewarding people. So, that is also in the mix.

He said: “We are however sensitive to the economic realities and have priced our offerings to cater to this. With as low as N5.7million, you can move into your own home.

“We also have medium-high priced homes in the same estate to cater to those in these categories. This is really a house for everyone within Emotan Gardens. We have gone a step further in the relationship with government by making sure that people can make installmental payments. ”

Lawrence stated that the target market is the formal and informal sectors including the State’s Diaspora community. “Today, there are housing types that are already standing because one of the things we found out is that there was a lot of skepticism. We see that a lot of people are wondering if this will happen.

“We are offering as much information to give comfort and reassurance. This is not like previous experiences that some people had in the state.  We take every opportunity to put information out there to assure people from day one that you are dealing with the right people. We have sales representatives on site, who speak languages people understand.”

On mortgage financing, Lawrence disclosed that six mortgage banks have been accredited to back prospective subscribers. “They are already here, looking for customers to avail funds. There are about six of them. This housing estate is for everybody.  As long as you have a will to participate, we will try to make sure we accommodate that prospective client.”