Enugu Plans 2,000 Housing Units for Low-income Earners
- Targets N1tr from land sales
Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu
Determined to shore up its revenue base in view of the global economic meltdown, Enugu state government has set a target of a whopping N1 trillion to be recovered from the sale of landed property at the newly-carved out New Independence layout within Enugu metropolis.
The target, which is coming on the heels of the recent Oganiru Enugu Investment summit, also emerged alongside government’s plan to build about 2,500 housing units for low and high income earners.
The new Independence layout, christened, Heliu residences (an acronym drawn from the name of the state governor, His Excellency Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Heliu) located along Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway is the first district being created by the state government since the creation of Enugu state, about a quarter of a century ago.
The new layout, covering over 132 hectares of land, is divided into two with one section for construction of five hundred houses of single family or twin family duplexes/bungalows to be solely financed by a Consortium led by FIT Consult and five hundred plots of land for sale to individuals for development.
The Chief Executive Officer, FIT Consult Limited, Chief Loretta Aniagolu who spoke at the unveiling of the new district, noted that the company in partnership with a Chinese firm, Yuanda Investment Company would invest about N3.5 billion in infrastructure in the area.
The facilities at the new district would include 24-hours security, paved roads, street lights, recreation club, shopping mall, 24 hours water supply, covered drainage, parks and hotels, adding that, the water supply would not be hooked into the state’s present water scheme.
Aniagolu said a plot of 750 metres is presently being sold at N9.5 million, adding that allocation would be made within ten working days of down payment and 14 working days of payment of statutory fees for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Aniagolu stated that the layout was the first being created by the state government after the late Micheal Okpara carved out the Independence layout, Ogui, new layout, coal camp and GRA and Chief Jim Nwobodo of Transekulu, Awkunanaw and others.
Also speaking, state Commissioner for lands and Urban Development, Solomon Onah, explained that government decided to venture into the project so as to raise funds to finance education, health, housing, infrastructure and social services.
He explained that the state government intends to make Enugu the “homes for all”, adding that smaller housing units for low income earners were ongoing in the state and would soon be ready for occupation.
Onah explained that the state planned to build 2,500 housing units to be completed before the end of 2017, explaining that 500 of the houses would cost N7.5 billion, while the remaining 2,000 would be built at different points specifically for low income earners.
The commissioner praised the FIT Consult and her partners for agreeing to come to the aid of the state in the provision of housing, urging other private individuals and organisations to emulate the company, while assuring stakeholders of a favourable policy.
The General Manager of Yuanda, Johnny Jiang, said they were committed to the project and would ensure its realisation by next year. He stated that they already have the commitment of their government for financial facilities that would help them meet the target.
