In response to the rising cost of accommodation across Delta State, the State Ministry of Housing has begun registering housing agents in a move to regulate their activities and curb exploitative rental practices.
The Commissioner for Housing, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, revealed this on Tuesday when he received members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) during a courtesy visit to his office in Asaba.
According to him, the ministry is also preparing to inaugurate a task force to address the issue of agents charging excessive rents.
In addition, a bill aimed at regulating rent in major cities across the state will soon be submitted to the State House of Assembly.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the impact of rising rents on residents, especially low-income earners, and said the state government might have to apply moral persuasion to landlords to moderate their rent demands.
“I visited the agents’ office at Macdon in Asaba. They’re all registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and the Delta State Police Command has acknowledged them as a recognized body,” Angele explained.
“This step is to help check sharp practices among agents and safeguard the interests of residents.”
He emphasized the state’s commitment to addressing the accommodation crisis through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
“By the grace of God, we will roll out a low-cost housing scheme during my tenure,” he said.
The commissioner highlighted ongoing projects, including 50-unit social housing schemes in Ozoro, Kwale, and Owa-Oyibu, initiated under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Upon assuming office, Angele said a reassessment revealed that each 50-unit estate could house up to 200 families, necessitating supporting infrastructure like markets, schools, and electricity.
He further disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved a phased plan to construct additional housing units across all federal constituencies and eventually in each local government area, aiming for over 400 new homes statewide.
To achieve this, the state is partnering with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) to deliver affordable housing for civil servants and residents, particularly in urban centers like Asaba.
Angele affirmed the governor’s zero tolerance for substandard work, noting that the ministry closely monitors ongoing projects to ensure strict adherence to specifications outlined in the Bills of Quantities (BOQs).
He praised the governor for prompt payment of contractor certificates and adequate mobilization support, which has accelerated project delivery.
The commissioner also announced recent housing interventions, including the planned inauguration of 30 one-bedroom apartments at the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Agbor, in partnership with a federal agency.
In addition, the ministry recently renovated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Asaba and is currently working on a two-storey block of 40 self-contained apartments at Admiralty University, Ibusa, projects bridging the transition from the Okowa administration to the present one.
He said the newly commissioned commissioners’ quarters address the accommodation needs of the 30 state commissioners, while Governor Oborevwori has approved the construction of 12 four-bedroom duplexes for permanent secretaries.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, commended the commissioner for his achievements and urged him to take further action to address the high cost of housing, particularly in Asaba and surrounding areas.
He suggested the adoption of high-rise housing models like those in Lagos, such as Jakande, Alaba, and Amuwo-Odofin estates, as a cost-effective solution to maximize land use and make housing more affordable.
“Your ministry is crucial to the development of the state and has played a significant role in the success of Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
“The 150-unit estates across three locations, alongside the newly inaugurated commissioners’ duplexes, are clear evidence of your impact and contribution to the governor’s vision,” Olannye said.
(Agency Report)
