“Bridging the Housing Gap in Ohafia LGA: A Call to Action”
“The decent housing challenge in Ohafia Local Government Area for the poor and almost non-existent middle class is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention”, said Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, the honorrable Mayor in phone call conversation last night. He desires to explore public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a step in the right direction.
For instance, in Nigeria, the housing problem remains intractable, with many rural and urban populations lacking access to decent, safe, and affordable housing. The affordability of the housing sector is a driving force behind public and private sector engagement.
Chief Kalu’s idea can help bridge the housing gap in Ohafia Local Government Area. By leveraging PPPs, the government can tap into private sector resources and expertise to deliver affordable and decent housing units.
He recounted some potential benefits of PPPs in addressing the housing challenge in Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia as Increased Funding as it attracts private sector investment, reducing the financial burden on the government. Secondly, Improved Efficiency as partners can bring in expertise and technology to enhance the delivery of housing project. In the same light, he continued by stressing that Enhanced Sustainability would promote sustainable housing development by incorporating green building technologies and energy-efficient designs.
In an enthusiastic tone, he concluded that to ensure the success of PPPs in addressing the housing challenge, he will among other things Establish Clear Policies such as get experts to develop and implement policies that support PPPs and provide a framework for private sector engagement. He’s confident that the diaspora Community would have vested interest. I was impressed with his emphasis with Fostering Collaboration as to encourage collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities to ensure that housing projects meet the needs of the people. Kalu added that he will enforce Governor Otti’s Transparency and Accountability principle as he will establish mechanisms for transparency and accountability to ensure that PPPs are managed effectively and that benefits are shared equitably.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
