Housing boost

Remaining true to his pledge, Dr. Wamakko’s administration has so far constructed in excess of 3,000 houses across the state, creating entirely new neighborhoods in areas such as Mana, Kalambaina and Bado. In 2010, serious flooding caused the displacement of many communities in the state, prompting Dr. Wamakko to arrange for temporary accommodation to be provided and quickly award contracts for 1,000 new permanent housing units to be built at the three most affected areas. Over the following years, the local governments of Goronyo, Gada and Silame have since received 400, 350 and 300 new houses respectively, along with their related utilities. In 2014, the housebuilding drive continues apace, with another 500 three and four-bedroom apartments in the Wamakko local government area being rubber-stamped in May. At a cost of N7.8 billion ($47.6 million), the project will also create the infrastructure necessary for the new development that will include roads, clinics, electricity and schools, among other amenities. According to Dr. Wamakko, “Housing has been universally accepted as the second most important human need. It is a basic need for human survival and an essential component to the advancement of the quality of life of the citizenry.”