...as RSECESSA targets 3000 low cost housing units in C'River

The Director , Consultancy & Executive Services , Nigerian Building and Reaserch institute , (NBRRI)Makava David has disclosed that alternative building materials (Bricks & laterite ) can reduce the cost of building houses by 25 to 30 percent making it easy for more Nigerians to own their own homes.

He made this known in Calabar weekend after making a presentation at the Ministry of Housing , Cross River State on plans by NIBRI in partnership with Regional Sustainable Energy Centre of Excellence for Sub-Saharan Africa to activate a 3000 low cost housing unit scheme across the three Senatorial districts of the state to be supported by International agencies and local banks.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the presentation, Mr David said that with the introduction of alternative building materials, houses would become very affordable to even the common man.

His words : "The cost of materials now , is on the high side, the technology that NBRRI is bringing is mainly the use of locally sourced material used in building houses .

"We will use clay for the blocks , fibre for the roofing sheets and this will practically bring down the cost of the building up to 25 to 30 percent compared to conventional building material.

"The aesthetics is next to none, when it's cold outside it's warm inside and when it is hot outside it's cool inside , that is why we are bringing this technology to the good people of Cross River with a payment period of 30 years , so that our people can have affordable houses they can call their home.

"Our target and the mandate of the consultant is to provide 3000 unit of low cost housing units in the three Senatorial district of the state , and it takes less time to build once the materials are in place.

The Commissioner for Housing in Cross River , Dr Beatrice Igwe who welcomed the Institute, international donors and other partners assured them of government support adding that Governor Bassey Otu is peoples friendly and would key into genuine programme that will make Cross Riveriams comfortable.

She said :"The tripartite meeting you just witnessed is the birthing of a project that can reduce the housing challenges of the people of Cross River with a view to giving them modest and affordable housing.

"Alternative building materials is the future and the way forward, the presentation we have witnessed has shown that if properly executed there will be progress as well as a boost in the availability of low cost housing in the state.

"I can assure the partners , and other stakeholders that our Governor who has always put the people first , will key into any programme that will alleviate the suffering of the people and improve their living standard

"I believe, he will surely key into any good program that will make life comfortable for the common CrossRiverian," she added.

On his part the facilitator of the project , Sir Clay Ogeh Ekpong said they realized that there was a housing deficit in the state hence the need to reach out to various partners both foreign and local to start up low cost housing estates in the state.

Sir Ekpong lauded Governor Bassey Otu who he described as a people friendly leader for accepting to key into the housing scheme and giving the project full support and attention.

He also noted that with this project the Governors dream of providing homes for cross riverians will be met and housing challenges will be reduced to the barest minimum .

The initiator maintained that the plans were in top gear to put up 1000 bungalows each in Odukpani, ikom and Ogoja /Yala local Govt areas of the state.

Also speaking , the CEO of RSECESSA, Dr. Ibrahim Aminu expressed eagerness and excitement on commencement of the project.

Accoring to him : "The partners have already put plans in motion to make the project a reality, the idea of reducing the challenges of housing is one aspect and then using alternative materials to build is another major aspect with a view of giving the people quality for their money without breaking the bank.

'we want to ensure that we bring affordable housing to our people and make sure they can also pay for these houses with ease and no pressures, and after retirement they can own good houses at the end of the day ," Aminu said.

The affordable houses program which targets building one million houses across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT is a project of RSECESSA in partnership (NBRRI).