The Kogi State Government has signed memoranda of understanding with the China Hope Energy/Investment Limited and UN Habitat for the provision of mass housing scheme for civil servants in the state.
The proposed 5000 housing project is a collaboration between the state government, China Hope Energy/Investment Limited and UN Habitat.
Governor Idris Wada while signing the MoU on behalf of the Kogi State Government described housing for civil servants as a social security.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said towards the realization of the housing partnership, assured of government commitment, and said the project is viable, worthy of embracing by government and capable of reducing corruption among civil servants.
The governor expressed the readiness of his administration to embark on the collaborative venture, and said, “Our civil servants are in dear need of adequate and comfortable shelter which my administration is very much committed to realize”.
The Governor said the gesture when realized by the government will increase workers productivity and reduce the housing challenge in the state.
The governor commended the UN-Habitat for the interest it has shown in developing the state, promised giving the needed support that will lead to the quick realization of providing shelter for workers in the state service.
Earlier, the former Commissioner for Land and Urban Development, Stephen Maiyaki, while introducing the delegation said Chinese Investors would soon commence the building of five thousand housing units in the State, adding that the houses will have one bedroom, two and three bedroom.
In his remarks, the Chairman China Hope Energy Investment Limited, HE BING and the Managing Director of the UN HABITAT, Dr. Tee Ching Seng in their separate remarks said the provision of mass Housing for the people is one of the essential needs of man, stressing that shelter remains a key components every government is expected to provide for it’s people.
They described the provision of mass housing for civil servants as a social responsibility, said when realized, it will enable civil servants to rededicate themselves to greater service.
The foundation laying which is expected later in the year, Dr. Tee Ching Seng stated will commence as soon as the technical details are worked out.
The project he added has been successful in Asia and some African countries.
Highlight of the MoU signing which was witnessed by top government functionaries in the relevant Ministry and agencies of the State government, had the Solicitor General of the State, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands and the UN-Habitat and the Chairman China Hope Energy Investment Limited, HE BING and the Managing Director of the UN HABITAT, Dr. Tee Ching Seng signed on behalf of the state and the investors.
