Professionals push for new approach in affordable housing A DELUGE of lamentations rented the air last week when built environment professionals met to chart a new course for affordable housing in the counrty. They believe that the trend of homelessness could be checked, if all stakeholders are ready to confront the problem by adopting tested approaches to solving housing shortages. The experts spoke at the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Lagos’ Chapter during the 5th annual distinguished lecture held in Lagos. In fact, the hall of the Nigerian Institute Of International Affairs (NIIA), Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, venue of the event became charged as one of the speakers, nearly broke down in tears, while pondering on why some Nigerians should still be living in the ‘ghetto’ or slum. In his welcome address, NIQS’ Chairman, Mr. Olayemi Shonubi, said the series of lectures delivered since the commencement of the lecture, has in its short span, provided a platform for intellectual discourse on burning national issues as evident from previous themes hence the impetus to continue organize same. Justifying the choice of topic for this year’s lecture, “Affordable Housing Delivery In Nigeria: Myth Or Reality?”, Shonubi said that in spite of the various government efforts such Alhaji Shehu Shagari Government direct intervention in construction of Low-Cost Houses; the National Housing Policy of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida Government, the country was still unable to provide for the housing needs of its nationals; as a result most urban centres are overcrowded while a large percentage does not have shelter over their heads. According to him, it is estimated that the country currently has a housing deficit of 17million houses while Lagos alone is estimated to have a shortage of about 5million houses, adding that the scenario informed the theme for this year lecture. Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama...
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:13:53 +0000
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