FG committed to reduction of housing deficit–Minister

Malam Suleiman Zarma, the Minister of State II for Power, Works and Housing, says the Federal Government is committed to the reduction of  the nation’s housing deficit, put at over 17 million, through its National Housing Programme (NHP).

Zarma spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration of a three-block of 12 units of two bedroom flats in Lugbe, Abuja.

The structure was built by the Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (SMCS) of the Housing Sector, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.

The minister commended the foresight, innovative ideas and the efforts of SMCS officials for taking a giant step to address the housing needs of its members.

He said the project was in line with the core mandate of the ministry to ensure adequate, affordable and sustainable housing delivery in the country.

“The ministry’s present leadership is committed to advancing the cause of the welfare of staff.

“Talking about support, I mean providing you with some technical and logistic assistance to realise your objectives,” he said.

He urged the leadership of the society to ensure that their structures were built on lands that were properly acquired in line with laid down rules.

In his remarks, Mr Frant Ijiofor, the Chairman of SMCS said the project was executed at the cost of N86.5 million through direct labour.

He solicited Federal Government’s assistance  in the construction of roads leading to the society’s housing projects spread across FCT.