FG commences construction of 250 housing units for civil servants in Gwagwalada

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Wednesday, commenced the construction of 250 housing units for civil servants in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory.

The 250 units of two and three bedroom bungalows in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, tagged Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate, is a public private partnership (PPP) between the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Minister speaks on housing project

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, PhD, said the project is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interventions for Nigerians.

He urged contractors handling the project to deliver a quality job within the stipulated time frame, saying that housing must be made affordable for Nigerians, especially civil servants.

He described the project as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly civil servants.

The Minister said the initiative was part of the administration’s efforts to address the country’s housing deficit and improve the living conditions of public servants.

He said the provision of decent and affordable accommodation for civil servants would enhance their productivity and restore dignity to public service.

“This event is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, especially civil servants who form the backbone of government.

“We will make sure we fulfill the mandate of Mr President with regards to provision of affordable housing to Nigerians. If at the end of this administration we don’t fulfill the promises made by Mr President, His Excellency Mr President should not be held responsible. We are the ones that should be held responsible, not Mr President,” he said.

FHA CEO solicits support for Tinubu

On his part, the MD/Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon Oyetunde Ojo, said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be particularly commended for ensuring the provision of affordable housing to Nigerians.

He said that, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Authority, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has been championing the cause of providing affordable housing to Nigerians.

He said that Karsana, a rural area in the FCT, has been developed, courtesy of Mr President and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, saying the administration should be supported for more dividends of democracy.

Head of Civil Service makes demands for civil servants

Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, advised for housing to be made available to civil servants, saying it will motivate them to contribute their quota to development of the country.

She said: “The construction of the 250 housing units for civil servants here in Gwagwalada is a dream come true. I can recall that the Honourable Minister visited me when he was appointed and we had a robust interaction. Our interaction gave birth to what we’re witnessing today. Even as we were discussing today, he told me of other great ideas he has for civil servants.

“I can assure you that the welfare of civil servants remain central to this administration. A civil servant with a settled home will be motivated to serve better. Therefore, we look forward to this 250 housing units being replicated across the country. Eligible civil servants can also take advantage of the N10m housing loan by the federal government to become house owners.

“However, housing schemes should not end at foundation laying. Civil servants need completed houses with keys. So, we look forward to the completion of this housing units and allocation to eligible civil servants. Every civil servant should look forward to retirement with dignity and confidence. We are open to partnership to see that thousands of civil servants all have houses. I look forward to seeing this site transformed into a thriving community.”