FG To Construct 250 Housing Units In Calabar Under Renewed Hope Scheme
Judex OKORO
The Federal Government has concluded plans to begin the construction of 250 housing units in Calabar, Cross River State, under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed this in Calabar on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, where he led a team of contractors involved in the project.
Represented by the Federal Controller of Housing and Urban Development in the state, Mr. Alfa Simeon, the minister explained that the project would be executed in two phases of 125 units each, with each phase expected to be completed within six months.
According to him, the housing estate will comprise one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units—designed with flexibility for future expansion.
“The uniqueness of this housing project is that it is expandable. A one-bedroom can be expanded to two, and a two-bedroom to three. The idea is to ensure affordability, particularly for civil servants, at the point of initial purchase. Over time, as their finances improve, they can expand the units to suit their evolving needs,” Simeon explained.
Also speaking, Dr. Francis Ekpenyong, Head of the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, stated that the project—facilitated by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong—has been awarded to eight contractors. Four of them will handle the construction of housing units, while the other four will focus on infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply.
He added that the housing estate will include a police post, internal road networks, and essential utilities.
Ekpenyong commended the Obong of Calabar and the Efik community for donating a 25-hectare parcel of land for the project. He assured that the host community would be carried along throughout the implementation phase.
“This project is already ongoing in 12 states across the federation. What brought us here today is to formally introduce the contractors to the Obong and inform him that work is about to commence on the land he graciously donated,” he said.
He further acknowledged the role of Senator Ekpenyong and expressed appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu for facilitating the land acquisition process and providing administrative support for the project.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Michael Afolabi stated that the housing scheme would create at least 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state.
“We’re here to formally introduce ourselves to the Obong and to seek his blessing as we begin work in a community that stands to benefit the most. This scheme is a commendable initiative by Mr. President. It will engage youths and empower the local population productively during the construction phase,” he said.
In his remarks, the Obong of Calabar advised the contractors and government officials to ensure that the community is actively involved throughout the project. He also urged the Federal Government and the contractors to stick to the agreed construction timeline.
“I hope this will not become another project that is abandoned midway and ends up as a hideout for criminals,” the monarch cautioned. “We expect the government to deliver standard housing units that our community and the entire state can be proud of.”
