Bayelsa State Government has given approval for the construction of 360 housing units to address the housing deficit of both the middle and low class levels of its citizenry.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, who made this diclosure, explained that, it was one of the key resolutions reached at the end of the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Seriake Dickson in Government House, Yenagoa.

Hon. Obuebite, who briefed newsmen alongside the Acting Head of Service, Rev. Thomas Zidafamor said, out of the figure, 110 duplexes would be built in choice areas, while 250 bugalows are to be provided in high density areas mainly for civil servants.

According to the Information Commissioner, Council also approved the payment of N1 billion, as counterpart fund to access the N2 billion facility from the Bank of Industry, to promote the development of small and medium scale enterprises.

Hon. Obuebite noted that, council also set up a committee charged with the responsibility for the implementation of the state government empowerment programme, aimed at improving the living conditions of the people.

His words: “Majority of the issues discussed relate to empowerment of our people. The Executive Council graciously approved a standing committee to look at areas and ways through which we can empower our people.

“The committee was asked to raise a document for that effect and advise the government on issues that will directly impact our people in all the communities and local government areas of the state.

“The Executive Council equally approved the construction of 110 duplexes as part of the housing projects in the state and that, the project is to commence anytime from now, so that, we can meet the needs of Bayelsans, who want to have their own personal houses in choice areas.”

In his remarks, the Acting Head of Service, Rev. Thomas Zidafamor, said council reaffirmed the need for all ministries, departments and agencies to key into the on-going reforms in the public service.