21st March, 2020
Bauchi State government in collaboration with the federal government through its Family Homes Funds (FHF) Limited, has flagged off the construction of 2,500 housing units, estimated at N12 billion in the state.
Family Homes Funds which is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance, is a Social Housing Programme initiated by the federal government to provide inexpensive mortgages for low-income individuals and families across the country.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 2,500 affordable housing scheme in Bauchi on Saturday, Mr Femi Adewole, Managing Director, Family Homes Funds, said the project was part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to improving the quality of lives of Nigerians.
He said the project would provide homes for no fewer than 10,000 people in the state in a safe environment where they could realise their dreams.
“I thank God for the opportunity we have as family homes funds to partner the administration of Gov. Bala Mohammad to flag off this remarkable project.
“This project is part of the realisation of President Buhari’s vision and commitment to improving the quality of lives of Nigerians, especially those on low income who are often left behind.
“For the Family Homes Funds, this project is more than just a housing project; it will provide homes for over 10,000 men, women and children in a safe environment where they can realise their dreams,” Adewole said.
He further stressed that the project would add a significant boost to the economy of the state, adding that it would also provide at least 20,000 new jobs for the people of the state, particularly the youth.
“We will work with your administration to enforce the highest quality construction standard,” he promised.
In his speech, Gov. Bala Mohammad said the housing units would be spread across the six Emirate headquarters of the state.
“These housing units will be distributed as follows: in Bauchi town, we are going to have a new city that will comprise of 1,500 housing units;
“Azare, the headquarters of Katagum Emirate, will have 350 housing units;
“Misau, the headquarters of Misau will have 250 housing units; Ningi will have 200 housing units; Jama’are will have 100 and Dass with 100 housing units,” Mohammad said.
He said the project came in a period when the demography of the state had changed drastically due to internal displacements caused by the insurgency, adding that the projects were expected to be completed within 12 month.
The governor appreciated the Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, for ensuring that effective and robust cash flow was available for project commencement and completion.
He noted that N6 billion out of N12 billion naira had been deposited to the state government’s account.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Mr Hamisu Mu’azu, said the project could not have come at a better time than now, especially with the recent discovery of oil deposits in Bauchi state.
He appreciated the governor for carrying all members of his administration along in decision making.