Providing an accessible and affordable housing for the low and middle income earners who form the bulk of our ever ever growing population has always been a challenging one to successive governments in Enugu State. The state government under the auspices of Ugwuanyi has no doubt restrategized to realise the housing needs of the people by completing and delivering various housing projects across the state through ESHDC under the headship of Hon. Chukwuemelie Agu. These already completed housing estates are equally ready for habitation.
It is evidently clear that the corporation is not resting on its determination to break new grounds everyday until both low and middle income earners have access to affordable housing. Therefore, it is currently working on other housing projects which are being developed through budgetary allocation as well as joint ventures. Notable of it is the ongoing construction of 750 housing Coal City View Satellite Estate project in Enugu being constructed for civil servants by the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) in partnership with Alpha Mead Development Company, Mahfas Group and AG Mortgage Bank.
Going by the current response in addressing housing deficits in the State, before 2023, Governor Ugwuanyi administration would have delivered other satellite estates across the State that would close the huge deficits in the sector. The houses being delivered are for both the low and high net worth individuals in highbrow and low-income settlements.
The target of the corporation is to ensure that the housing deficits in the state is bridged as much as possible. It is the desire of Governor Ugwuanyi to see more residents of the state own houses and has made concerted effort to ensure this becomes a reality. Presently, the government is partnering with estate developers for the construction of mass housing estates across the state for civil servants.
However, the successes recorded in the sector is a product of conscientious thinking and carefully thought out strategies enunciated by Hon. Chukwuemelie Agu and his team. To further bridge the gap, the government adopted a strategy of completing all inherited housing projects from the past administrations in order to consolidate on the gains of the past and have a quick win which will translate to more dividends for the people.
The second strategy adopted was to activate the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) schemes, which were already in existence. This helps in reducing direct governmental expenditure, thereby releasing more funds for bridging other infrastructural gaps. While the government provides unencumbered land for these investors, the onus then lies on the partner to build according to given and agreed specifications.
Finally, the state’s efforts at bridging the housing deficit equally have a job creation component. The main and sub-contractors, numerous artisans, labourers, suppliers and food vendors are also effectively earning a living from these projects.
On the whole, the government housing policy is being tailored towards a more integrated synergy for the total benefit of the people.
Bibian Anekwe News..added…Owning a home is a keystone of wealth – both financial affluence and emotional security
Written by
Jude Chijioke Achu
A Political Analyst
Media Team Member: Enugu di n’akachukwu movement
