To reduce the housing deficit in the country, the federal government is to construct 250 units of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments in Calabar under the Renew Hope Housing Scheme.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, stated this when he led a team of contractors on a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, in Calabar on Monday.

Mr Dangiwa, represented by Alfa Simeon, Federal Controller of Housing and Urban Development in the state, said the construction would be carried out in two phases, with 125 units each, and would be completed in six months, respectively.

“The uniqueness of this housing project is that it is expandable. A room can be expanded to two and two to three.

“The reason for this is that we want to be able to ensure it is affordable to civil servants at the initial stage of purchase. So, if they have money in the future, they can expand it to suit their needs,” he stated.

Francis Ekpenyong, head of the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, said the project, facilitated by Asukwo Ekpenyong, has been awarded to eight contractors.

He said the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme would have a police post, internal roads, water, and electricity.

Mr Ekpenyong commended the state governor and Obong of Calabar, whose community provided 25 hectares of land for the housing scheme. He promised that the community would be carried along during the construction of the housing units.

The official said construction of the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme was already ongoing in 12 states of the federation.

“We have eight contractors, four for construction and the other four to work on the infrastructure, such as water, electricity, and roads. It is worthy of note that the senator representing Cross River South was instrumental in seeing these projects come to Cross River,” Mr Ekpenyong said.

A contractor, Michael Afolabi, said the project would create a minimum of 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for the people of the state.

“The scheme is a good initiative of Mr President as youths and the people of the community and the state at large will be productively engaged during the construction period,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Obong advised the contractors and officials of the housing scheme to carry the community along in the execution of the project.

He also urged the federal government to ensure that the project was completed within the specified time and to the standard.

(NAN)