The Federal Government disclosed on Friday that its 250-Housing Unit Renewed Hope Estate in Akwa Ibom State would create jobs for over 6,500 people in different trades across the state.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, stated this in Uyo during the ground-breaking ceremony of the 250 housing units in Ukpenekim, Uruan Local Government Area of the state.

The mnister said that the value chain effect of construction work is significant, adding that it is expected to create a positive economic impact in the state.

“Statistics show that the construction of one housing unit creates an average of 25 direct and indirect jobs. So, for these 250 housing units in Akwa Ibom, we hope to create jobs for over 6,500 people in various trades, from professionals like architects, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers to masons, plumbers, tilers, electricians, and labourers.

“We have seen unskilled workers at sites earning as much as N35,000 per week, at an average of N5,000 per day. This amounts to about N140,000 per month. This is in addition to the economic activities, including those selling food, supplying blocks, and providing building materials.

“The value chain effect of construction work on this site is significant and creates a positive economic impact,” Dangiwa said.

While appreciating the governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Umo Eno, for granting the request for the land, which he noted saved over 30% of the cost, the minister charged developers to build according to specifications.

He warned that the ministry would not tolerate any substandard job, adding that it would explore all necessary legal means, including EFCC, to ensure that the developers deliver as per the contract.

Noting that under the Renewed Agenda, the ministry is implementing a zero tolerance for umcompleted projects, the minister disclosed that the second leg of the programme would see the breaking of 2,000 housing units across the eight states in the South.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, said that the 250 units are part of the nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates of the Ministry, which President Bola Tinubu officially launched earlier this year in Abuja.

He said that the ministry, through the programme, planned to deliver over 20,000 housing units in phase 1, adding that the project would create jobs and boost economic development.

“With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development,” the minister noted.

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Eno, who was represented by Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, appreciated President Tinubu for considering Akwa Ibom to be the first beneficiary of the Renewed Hope Estate of the government.