By Philip Ezuma, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the State Government would work harmoniously with the Federal Government to address the issue of housing affecting low income earners in the State.
This synergy, he said, will no doubt reduce the pressure faced by citizens facing the challenge of housing, which is not only affecting low income but also medium income earners.
Governor Fubara made the assertion when he received the management team of the Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria (FHAN), led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The Governor, who noted that the problem of housing has become a major issue confronting Nigerians, said the Rivers State Government recently flagged off a 20,000 housing unit’s project to address the housing needs of low income earners in the State, which, he added, is also in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Let me use this medium to say a big thank you to Mr. President. We all know the basic needs of a family: food, clothing and shelter. And in our country today, because of the cost of living, housing has become an issue.
“It is no longer an issue of medium income earners, because medium income earners cannot even afford housing again. So, it is an issue that the government, both at federal and state levels must come together and work together to find a lasting solution. Maybe, we may not completely eradicate the problem, but we can reduce that pressure on the citizens,” he said.
He noted, “We are thinking in the same line with Mr President. In our dear State, some months back, we did flag off a 20,000 housing unit’s project, specifically for low income earners. What is the purpose: how many persons can afford housing in the GRAs, just a few of us? We need to make provision for our civil servants. We need to make provision for our traders and taxi drivers. We need to make provision for our teachers and other classes of workers. That is what gave birth to that programme. And I am happy to say it today, that the project is ongoing, and there is evidence of seriousness to that.”
Governor Fubara expressed delight with the purpose of the visit, which he said, keys into the social housing policy of his Administration, emphasising that FHA’s commitment to partner the State Government in providing housing will add in mitigating the plight of the citizens.
He described the Government of President Bola Tinubu as people-oriented, given the seriousness the FHA attaches to ensuring the success of the project in collaboration with the State Government, and assured of his Administration’s commitment to give the necessary support for the success of the project.
“I am really happy this evening to receive this delegation from the Federal Housing Authority, because even the houses we are providing still won’t solve the problem. So, adding this to what we are already doing, will also help in mitigating the challenges”, he added.
