Determined to eradicate the housing deficit and high cost of house rents for workers and citizens, the Benue State Government, through Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), on Wednesday, commenced the construction of 1,080 housing projects tagged as ‘Eco-City Estate’ in the state.
New National Star reports that the project is located at the former Benue Brewery Limited (BBL) Quarters in Makurdi, the state capital.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while inaugurating the project, commended the initiative, saying it would go a long way to enable people to come and off take after completion.
Alia, who was represented by his deputy, Barr Sam Ode, expressed satisfaction with the strides of BIPC in their bid to industrialise the state.
He said the project aligns with the administration’s vision to transform the state to meet with other developing cities of the federation, adding that the ongoing dualisation of the Wurukum Roundabout, which is close to the estate, is meant to enhance accessibility to it.
“So, for those who are wise, the BIPC Eco-City is where to do your business. I am encouraging investors, especially Benue citizens, to subscribe to this smart estate. It will be an estate that will conform to the modern trend in housing.
“We are calling on investors to come in quickly and see how they can be off-takers of this important project. There are two hectares here and two in another location. We want Benue indigenes to be part of these gains of our government,” Alia said.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, stressed the urgent need for sustainable and affordable housing in Benue State.
He said the project, when completed, will bridge the housing deficit and high-cost accommodation in the state.
“We are starting with 32 units, the next phase is 48, and we also have the 30 hectares of land that will have 1,000 housing units. For the duration of completion, we are looking at one year; this will be done within six months and the other phase, within 24 months,” Asemakaha said.