Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Monday explained that his ministry ordered
the immediate suspension of work at the Abuja Mass Housing project in
Abuja, because of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)’s
“Stop Work Inscriptions’’ on buildings at the construction site.
Fashola, who gave the explanation during the inspection of the
ongoing Abuja Mass Housing project in Gwagwalada, said the suspension
became necessary in order to settle any development control issues with
the ministry and FCDA through due process.
“As you can see, there are Development Control inscriptions on the
buildings and it means there are development issues by the FCDA.
“My staff tell me that the issue has been resolved, but I also
respect the law that says every development control restriction
inscriptions must be complied with.
“So, I am not going into that building; and I have ordered the head
of unit here to stop work immediately until these inscriptions are
removed and I see documents to that effect.
“This is one of the many ways that we can begin to take our laws
seriously because this is a government development project and we need
to respect the laws we make.
The last time I was here, I was satisfied with the quality of work
and I saw carpenters that were seriously engaged in the construction
work.
“That is what the Federal Government wants to achieve; to use housing schemes to stimulate employment in the country.
“The Federal Mortgage site is a different concept entirely, they do
not only lend money, but help you to build for people who want to pay
rent,” Fashola said.
The minister added that the construction of the mass housing project
was ongoing in 33 states across the country where lands had been made
available.
He stated that aside from artisans involved in the project,
contractors were engaged in the pilot scheme to deliver quality work.
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