The new minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, on Monday said properties worth N25 million and above in Abuja and other locations are out of reach for many Nigerians and would be reviewed as he assumes office.

Darma, who spoke when he resumed yesterday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, also warned that officials who undermine his plans would be forced out.

“A one-bedroom house selling in Abuja for N25 million or N30 million means it is not for even the middle class,” he said, adding, “Certainly we will look into it and make sure that houses are affordable.”

“I am not one of those who do political talks,” he said, adding that “Anyone that thinks he or she wants to sabotage our efforts will certainly clear the way for us. He will have to leave,” he said.

He said the ministry would set targets and be assessed based on delivery.

“If after three months we say we are going to achieve something and we do not achieve it, then it means we are failing,” he said.

The minister questioned the sustainability of some projects under the ministry.

“I don’t know whether you are saying that they are no longer sustainable or they are dilapidated already,” he said, adding, “If not, then sustainability should have been taken into account.”

He also said houses sold to civil servants should not be maintained by government.

Darma said he would meet with directors to assess the ministry before engaging stakeholders and presenting a plan to the President.

“In the next few days, we shall sit together with the directors to look at the ministry comprehensively,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, said the ministry delivered housing projects through public-private partnerships.

“The ministry recorded milestones, particularly in leveraging public-private partnership as a key vehicle for housing delivery,” he said.

He, however, said funding gaps slowed implementation.

“The ministry continues to face challenges, particularly inadequate and delayed release of budgetary allocations,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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