Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi
Barely 2 days before leaving office Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, commissioned 500 housing units in Birnin Kebbi, as part of efforts to bridge the housing deficit in the state.
The housing units were built by his administration with the active collaboration of a private firm, Family Homes Funds Ltd, under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Bagudu said at the epochal event to mark the twilight of his administration that the State Government had fully provided all the needed infrastructure at the estate.
According to him, more than 1000 plots had since been allocated to different beneficiaries and assured that the incoming administration of the Governor-elect, Dr. Nasiru Idris, Kauran Gwandu, would sustain the laudable project.
“Government is a continuous process, government is a work in progress.
“We are still building on the foundation laid by the former Governor of the state, Alhaji Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari.
“We are also being complemented by the various efforts of the Federal Government as it is building a housing estate.
“Therefore, more will be done under the leadership of Kauran Gwandu and provide more houses for the citizens of the State,” the Kebbi State Governor said.
Bagudu said that the event cannot come at a better time than now when the Governor-elect and his Deputy will be sworn in.
He said that the housing units would be distributed to the intended beneficiaries, saying, “The incoming administration will do more.”
Bagudu also said that the housing units would add to the aesthetics of the state capital, commending all the stakeholders for working diligently to realize the project.
The State Commissioner for Lands, Alhaji Mamuda Warah, said the gesture was part of the efforts of the state government to provide relief to the citizens through the provision of affordable housing.
Warah said that the houses would be sold to civil servants and other deserving applicants on an owner-occupier basis and outright purchase.
He stated that 70 percent of the houses of 350 would be sold to civil servants on an owner-occupier basis, with a payment period of fifteen years.
In the same vein, 30 percent or 150 houses would be sold to the members of the public on outright purchase, with an initial payment of 50 percent, while the balance would be paid in two years.
Warah said that each of the three-bedroom houses costs N7 million, while each of the two-bedroom houses costs N6 million.
He said that an N3.5 billion loan was secured for the project, while infrastructure like roads, water, electricity, recreational facilities, schools, clinics, and police posts, among others, had been provided.
Warah also stated that funds for the payment of contractors for the completion of the remaining houses had been approved by the Governor.
Similarly, he said that the process for the construction of additional 400 housing units had reached an advanced stage with the same form and under PPP.
He commended Bagudu for his uncommon commitment to the success of the project.
Highlights of the event include the commissioning of 500 houses by Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the presentation of certificates to some beneficiaries.
Present at the event were the State Deputy Governor, Rtd Col. Samaila Yombe Dabai, Rt Hon. Muhammad Sani Abubakar Lolo, Speaker Kebbi State House of Assembly, the SSG, Babale Umar Yauri mni, the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena among others.
