Buhari commissions N9.5bn Zuba Housing Estate
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday commissioned the Federal Housing Estate, Zuba, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The estate, which is located on an 18.5 hectares of land, consists of 748 housing units constructed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Speaking during the event, the president stated that the estate was part of the federal government’s efforts at curbing poverty and providing shelter for the populace.
Buhari said the project, which contributed several jobs during construction, is part of his commitment to make life better for the citizens.
“Housing supply is one of the indices of the Multidimensional Poverty Index that challenges our people, and the completion of the project will provide solutions for the beneficiaries.
“The new homeowners who benefit from this estate will have taken a step up on the ladder of prosperity from poverty.”
While admitting that the government has more to do for more Nigerians to own houses, the president said the government would not relent in completing other housing projects before he leaves office.
“One of the measures we have consciously deployed to attack poverty, create prosperity, and develop our economy is our aggressive provision of infrastructure nationwide. Our promise of change is being fulfilled for the homeowners.”
While congratulating the new owners of homes in the estate, he urged them to live in harmony and collaborate with the FHA to bring lasting development to the area.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the project was approved in 2018.
He said the over 13,000 workforce benefited from the project directly and indirectly from 75 contractors.
He said beneficiaries of the estate include those who paid through mortgage, one-off payment and rent-to-own.
The Managing Director of FHA, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, said the authority funded the project through a N7.5bn grant from the government and N2 billion from its internally generated revenue.
He said the estate has 1, 2, and 3-bedroom blocks of flats as well as 3-bedroom terraces, adding that government would soon commission its 336-housing unit in Bwari.