Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated Phase One of the Greater TAF City Housing Estate, despite over 90 litigations instituted to stall the project.
The housing estate, developed under the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), forms part of the Fubara administration’s strategy to decongest Port Harcourt and expand access to affordable housing for middle-income earners.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, Governor Fubara described the project as a bold vision conceived during one of the most challenging periods of his administration.
“This project faced challenges no other development has ever faced in Rivers State. We all know the history of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and the land acquisitions by previous administrations to drive development beyond the city centre,” he said.
According to the governor, the project was deliberately targeted with legal actions aimed at frustrating its completion.
“When we started, there were over 90 litigations from individuals claiming ownership of the land and alleging non-payment of compensation. It was a deliberate ploy to frustrate this vision and endanger the welfare of our people,” Fubara stated.
He said the commissioning of Phase One affirms his administration’s resolve to deliver 1,000 housing units as the first phase of a broader 20,000-unit housing plan.
“Today is not just about commissioning houses; it is proof that the vision of 1,000 housing units is real. This project is for middle-income earners and represents a major step in shifting development from the city centre to this axis,” he said.
Governor Fubara urged land allottees within the estate to commence development without delay, stressing that there was no justification for holding back progress.
Commending the private sector partner, Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, the governor assured of sustained government support to ensure the full delivery of the 20,000 housing units.
“You should understand the person you are dealing with. We are committed, determined, and the interest of Rivers State is above personal interest. This is just the beginning,” he added.
Fubara also linked the project to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Initiative, noting that Rivers State has allocated land for an additional 1,000 federal housing units.
“When the Federal Government’s 1,000 units are completed alongside our remaining 19,000 units, housing will no longer be a challenge in Rivers State,” he said.
He further emphasised that access to housing is critical to social stability, noting that adequate shelter would help reduce crime by addressing basic human needs.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, Mr Mustapha Njie, thanked the governor for his leadership and unwavering support.
“Your Excellency, you championed this partnership. Today, we are not just delivering houses; we are fulfilling a promise to the people,” Njie said.
He disclosed that the project has received continental recognition, noting that the African Union for Housing Finance last year recognised the initiative in Zanzibar as the most innovative Public-Private Partnership in affordable housing in Africa.
Also speaking, the Acting Administrator of GPHCDA, Mr Bennett Chu, described the 20,000-unit housing initiative as a long-held dream that has become reality.
He recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding for the project was signed on December 2, 2023, with the groundbreaking ceremony held on December 15, 2023, and thanked the governor for entrusting the Authority with what he described as a legacy project.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Wobodo Charles, praised Governor Fubara for his consistent presence and commitment to projects that positively impact the people.
Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
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