As we Nigerians continue to work to reclaim and rebuild Nigeria, I had the chance a few days ago to talk to my mother about life as a widower in 1979. 7 July is always a difficult day for us in my family as that was the day in 1979 that my dad died leaving behind a Matron at UNTH, a ten year old son as well as nine and seven year old daughters.
At the time we were in rented accommodation in Uwani, Enugu and my mum was able to purchase our family home from the government housing scheme in Trans-Ekulu. The scheme was such that the government built the estate with all the basic infrastructure and developed the properties up to the ground floor with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom suite, a living room, a dining room and a kitchen. The property and approved plan was then sold to people for what must have been cost price or perhaps even a subsidised cost (N27,000).
Those like my mum who were able to buy one, then finished the houses at whatever pace their finances could afford without the financial pressure of buying a fully completed house. Both the cost and administration of the scheme were perfect for the needs of most middle class and working class families.
It was not too long after that the Federal government followed suit with a low cost housing project much like the one (built under the Jim Nwobodo-led Anambra State government) we moved in to. Again, thousands of families in this process got a roof over their heads.
I fast forward today and wonder when we had a project such as this since back then. I cannot find any attempt by the Ministry of Housing to alleviate the dire needs of ordinary Nigerians with such simple and obvious solutions. Homes are touted in the region of N40 million naira because they are strictly commercial ventures. Simply put, no matron can afford any such home unless he or she is signing government cheques.
Interestingly I understand that Governor Fashola (Again!) is leading the way on this with several housing projects planned or under way - Egan-Igando Housing Scheme is an example and I found this from the Lagos State University:
More grease to Fashola and his team and I pray that other governors see the light. Apologies to those that may well be doing the same that I have missed.
Land that belongs to the people are sold to the highest bidder but what arrangements are made for the low income earners? If we are to reclaim Nigeria, we must strive for a better equitable society such that every layer of society can dream achievable dreams without resorting to crime. A home is the most basic of needs and we need to drive more low cost homes to put a roof over our people.
There are lots of low cost housing templates all over the world - we do not need to invent one. The will just needs to be there to provide shelter for Nigerians. So top of my wish list for 2011 is a leader who will drive the development of low cost housing for Nigerians.
