In a significant move towards improving living conditions across the nation, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is set to allocate N4.1 billion in the 2024 budget for the upgrading of slums in 24 locations spanning 18 states.
The comprehensive Slum Upgrading Programme aims to address critical infrastructure deficiencies in selected slums, including the provision of water supply, installation of solar street lights, rehabilitation of access roads, construction of drainages, and waste management and sanitation services.
Minister of Housing and Rural Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rewriting the narrative of housing and urban development by curbing the proliferation of slums. He outlined plans to upgrade 26 slums in six regions and the Federal Capital Territory, emphasizing the goal of enhancing living standards for slum residents and the urban poor.
An analysis of the budget document revealed that the ministry will undertake urban renewal and slum upgrading projects, focusing on the completion of construction/rehabilitation of roads, culverts, and drains in various states, including Ondo, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Kwara, Lagos, Bauchi, Enugu, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Osun.
Additionally, urban renewal initiatives involving the provision of solar street lights will be implemented in Imo, Edo, Ogun, Ekiti, Yobe, Katsina, Ondo, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The ministry has earmarked N18.19 billion for the construction of 20,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Agenda housing scheme, along with N200 million for the National Social Housing Fund, reflecting a multifaceted approach to address homelessness and promote sustainable housing solutions.
Furthermore, N1.8 billion has been allocated for the establishment of local building material manufacturing clusters in the six geopolitical zones, fostering localized production and economic development.
Source: Punch Newspaper