NASS pledges support for renewed hope cities’ projects

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Lands, and Urban Development, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, Wednesday, pledged the support of his committee to the Renewed Hope Cities initiatives of the Federal Government.

Tambuwal, who led members of the committee on an oversight visit to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Abuja, also advocated an increased funding for the ministry of Housing.

He said: “And of course, we are ready to support the programme of the federal government in providing affordable housing for Nigerians under the initial agenda.

“I think and we believe that more money should be given to the Ministry of Housing because this is one big sector that will generally distribute wealth to the lowest of the low. To vendors, retailers, all other sides and then making progress and with the current trend in the country, that’s the much that we need’’.

When asked if he was satisfied with the progress made, Tambuwal said: “What we have seen so far has been encouraging, but we will reserve final comments until we conduct our physical assessments of the project sites.

Earlier, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, had appreciated the committee for paying an oversight visit to the ministry’s efforts, and emphasized the national reach and non-partisan nature of the projects.

He mentioned that the initiative covers every political zone in the country, ensuring equal distribution without favoritism.

To tackle the challenge of building collapses, Dangiwa said proper design approvals, quality materials, and engagement of qualified contractors would address the menace.