The Federal Government has begun building of 250 housing units in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, as part of efforts to meet the country’s housing requirements.
Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, led the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in Umuoche.
Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the Bende Federal Constituency, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for selecting Bende as the location for Abia State’s Renewed Hope Agenda housing development.
The deputy speaker, who also represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, attracted the project, which is a 250-unit estate being built under the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
Bende will have 250 dwelling units, including 50 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
President Tinubu, through the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, urged developers to complete the project within three months and in accordance with specifications.
Under Phase One of the programme, the government intends to deliver 50,000 housing units, including 7 Renewed Hope Cities with 500 to 1,000 housing units per site in each of the six geopolitical zones and the FCT.
The Minister was accompanied by Abia’s Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and the Deputy Abia Speaker, Hon.Okezie Augustin Nmeregini, who was represented by Hon. Emmanuel Eke, the Federal Commissioner representing Abia State in the National Population Commission.
While commending the President, Kalu stated that the initiative cuts throughout the federation and eventually address Nigeria’s housing needs.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu stated that the initiative will improve public confidence in the APC-led federal administration under him. The Deputy Speaker also promised the people more democratic dividends and urged them to support President Tinubu’s administration.
Bende traditional rulers attended the ceremony, as did some youths and women from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Why this matters
The involvement of high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Housing and Urban Development and local representatives, signifies strong political backing, which is crucial for the project’s success.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a variety of housing types—one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom bungalows ensures that the project caters to diverse family sizes and needs.
Bottom Line
Overall, the housing project in Bende is a positive development that, if managed well, could significantly contribute to reducing the housing shortage in Nigeria and serve as a catalyst for further infrastructural and economic development in the region.
