Against all odds, Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday commissioned the phase one of the Greater TAF City Housing Estate.
It was learnt that more than 90 court cases were instituted to frustrate the realization of the landmark housing project.
The estate, being developed under the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), is part of a broader plan to decongest the state capital and provide affordable housing for middle-income earners.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Gov. Fubara described the project as more than a housing scheme, but a bold idea conceived during one of the most challenging periods of his administration.
“This was an idea that faced challenges no other development has ever faced in Rivers State,” the Governor said.
“We are all aware of the history surrounding the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and the acquisition of land by previous administrations to move development from the city centre to other areas.”
According to the governor, the project was deliberately targeted with legal actions aimed at halting its progress.
“When we started, there were over 90 litigations from individuals claiming ownership of the land and alleging non-payment of compensation. It was a deliberate ploy to frustrate this vision and endanger the welfare of our people,” he stated.
Gov. Fubara emphasized that the commissioning of phase one affirms the seriousness of the administration’s vision to deliver 1,000 housing units in the first instance, within a larger plan of 20,000 units.
“Today marks not just the delivery of the first phase, but proof that the vision of 1,000 housing units is real. This project is for middle-income earners and represents a major step in moving development from the city centre to this axis,” he said.
The governor urged all land allottees within the area to accelerate development, stressing that there was no justification for delays.
Commending the private sector partner, Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, Gov. Fubara assured of the state government’s continued support to ensure the successful completion of the entire 20,000 housing units
“You should understand the person you are dealing with. We are committed, determined, and the interest of Rivers State is above personal interest. This is just the beginning,” he added.
Gov. Fubara explained that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing initiative, noting that the state had also allocated land for 1,000 federal housing units.
“What we have delivered today is our first phase out of 20,000 units. When the federal government’s 1,000 units are completed alongside our remaining 19,000 units, housing will no longer be a challenge in Rivers State,” he said.
He further linked access to housing with social stability, stating that adequate shelter would significantly reduce crime by addressing basic human needs.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mustapha Njie, expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for his leadership and unwavering support.
“Your Excellency, you championed this partnership, and today we are not just delivering houses but fulfilling the promise made to the people,” Njie said.
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He also thanked the host communities for their cooperation and noted that the project’s public-private partnership model has gained continental recognition.
“Last year in Zanzibar, the African Union for Housing Finance recognized this project as the most innovative PPP in affordable housing in Africa,” he revealed.
Also speaking, the acting Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Bennett Chu, described the 20,000 affordable homes initiative as a dream that has become reality.
He recalled that the memorandum of understanding for the project was signed on December 2, 2023, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony on December 15, 2023.
Chu thanked Gov. Fubara for entrusting the authority with the supervision of what he described as a legacy project that offers hope to low- and middle-income earners.
Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Wobodo Charles, praised the governor for his consistent presence and commitment to projects that positively impact the people.
He described the governor’s multiple visits to the council area within the past two weeks to flag off and commission projects as an unmatched demonstration of love for the people and expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the local government
