Imo, FMB partner to build 2,000 housing units

Signs deal on fertilizer plant
THE Imo State Government has concluded arrangement with the Federal Mortgage Bank (FMB) to build 2,000 housing units, comprising semi- detached duplexes and blocks of flats, for its workers in the three senatorial zones under the Imo Model Scheme.

Governor Rochas Okorocha, who disclosed this to journalists at the weekend in Owerri, after a meeting with the officials of the bank, led by Executive Director, Mr. Charles Ajifa, said the state government would provide about N10 billion, adding that while the state government would contribute 60 per cent, the bank would commit 40 per cent. He also disclosed that the authorities of the FMB would pay the developers and recover the money on behalf of the state government and itself.

The governor regretted that workers in the state did not benefit from such despite huge contributions that were made. He added that the state government would provide land, good road network and infrastructure in the areas. About N1 billion, he said, had been contributed, just as he disclosed that the project would begin with initial 1,000 housing units.

Executive Director of the FMB, Charles Ajifa, said some housing units already constructed by the bank would soon be handed over to the state government. A committee was set up to carry the project.

Also, the Imo State Government has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), with a foreign firm to build a 500-tonne capacity of Fertilizer plant in the Industrial Park of Ohaji/ Egbema Local Council of the state, to serve the needs of farmers.
Secretary to the State Government, Jude Ejuogu, in collaboration with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Lilian Asuzu, signed the deal on behalf of government a representative of the firm, Mr. Nguyam Kim Tawo, signed for his company.

The operations will commence in the next six months, The Guardian leant.