Federal Government’s 250-Housing Unit Project in Akwa Ibom to Generate 6,500 Jobs
Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 29, 2024
The Federal Government announced on Friday that its groundbreaking 250-Housing Unit Renewed Hope Estate in Akwa Ibom State will be a catalyst for creating more than 6,500 jobs across various sectors within the state. Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, revealed these projections during the inauguration ceremony held in Uyo at the Ukpenekim area of Uruan Local Government Area.
Dangiwa highlighted the economic ripple effects of the construction project, emphasizing that each housing unit is expected to generate an average of 25 direct and indirect employment opportunities. These roles encompass a wide spectrum, from professional fields such as architecture, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering, to essential trades like masonry, plumbing, tiling, electrical work, and general labor.
“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 noted, underscoring the project’s substantial economic benefits and positive community impact.
Expressing gratitude to Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for facilitating the land acquisition, which contributed significantly to cost savings, Minister Dangiwa reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring adherence to rigorous construction standards. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards substandard work, pledging to employ all necessary legal measures, including involvement of regulatory bodies like the EFCC, to ensure strict project compliance.
Minister Abdullahi Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, reaffirmed that the 250 housing units are part of the broader nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative. Launched by President Bola Tinubu earlier in Abuja, the program aims to deliver over 20,000 housing units in its first phase, thereby boosting job creation and catalyzing sustainable economic growth.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, Head of Service Elder Effiong Essien expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for choosing Akwa Ibom as the inaugural location for the Renewed Hope Estate initiative, marking a significant milestone in the state’s developmental journey.
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Author: Jerry Alomatu
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