The Zamfara State Government has intensified efforts to tackle the growing housing deficit through a combination of government projects, mortgage financing, and interventions from donor agencies.
State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Ibrahim Zurmi made this known while addressing newsmen in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital.
According to him, Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a partnership between a private company and the Federal Mortgage Bank to construct 270 houses under the first phase.
Alhaji Zurmi noted that, the ministry had already forwarded official documents to the company in charge of the project, while preparations were underway to inaugurate a committee that would supervise and ensure a smooth take-off of the construction.
“Our responsibility as a ministry is to provide the land, while the Federal Mortgage Bank will release the funds required for the development,” he said.
The Commissioner stressed that, the primary beneficiaries of the housing units are junior staff, with the aim of enabling them to own personal homes and improve their welfare.
Alhaji Ibrahim Nasiru Zurmi further revealed that, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is currently constructing about 270 mass housing units along the Gusau–Bungudu axis while work has already commenced, and the project is progressing steadily.
Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) according to him is also contributing significantly, with over 300 housing units which is under construction immediately after the deport area.
Zurmi added that, many of the structures, he said, have already been roofed.
The Commissioner assured residents that, the ministry would continue to intensify public enlightenment, especially on land administration and related processes.
He pledged that the ministry would ensure fairness and justice in land allocation, stressing that land matters often generate disputes and require transparency.
Alhaji Ibrahim Nasiru Zurmi emphasised that, the new reforms and regulations were being developed to ensure that all building projects comply strictly with approved standards and guidelines.
COV/AMINU DALHATU