Commissioner, Ori speaks on building new houses to tackle excessive rent crisis in Ebonyi 

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori at the weekend reiterated the committed efforts of the governor, Francis Nwifuru to build new houses in various places as a way to tackle excessive rent crisis in the state.

Ori said that the residents of Ebonyi State will soon occupy newly constructed multi-billion naira housing estates before the end of the year.

The State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori made this known during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki.

He highlighted several ongoing housing projects, including the Izzo-Amaeze Housing Estate, which will provide 140 three-bedroom bungalows for families displaced by communal conflicts in Ishielu Council areas.

Other projects include; the Public and Civil Servants Housing Estate, a 140-unit development of four-bedroom duplexes, and the Nnodo Community Estate, designed with three- to five-bedroom units to accommodate residents across various categories.

“Most of the projects are between 80 and 98 percent complete. Internal tiling, finishing, and infrastructure works are well underway, and road construction is being finalized before external painting to ensure uniform quality,” he said.

The commissioner further emphasized that the housing projects are tangible, safe, and durable, dismissing criticisms regarding design and construction quality.

 “These estates have been built according to professional engineering standards, including raft foundations and reinforced columns,” he noted.

Ori also revealed plans for additional housing developments, including a 140-unit estate in the Centenary City area, scheduled to commence in the first quarter of next year.

He urged residents to exercise patience as the government finalizes commissioning schedules, stressing that the housing initiatives form part of a broader strategy to meet the social housing needs of Ebonyi State.

“These projects are not hidden; they are practical and visible. Our goal is to provide aesthetically designed homes that families can be proud of,” Ori added.