The Kaduna State Development Property Company said on Monday that it would provide at least 5,000 houses annually as part of efforts to reduce housing deficit in the state.
The Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Mahmud Gazara, told newsman in Kaduna that the move was part of the state government’s commitment at providing affordable houses to the populace.
Gazara said that the houses, which would be in the range of low, medium and high cost, would help to shore up internal revenue and create jobs.
He also said the company would undertake physical verification of all its assets to ensure full utilization, to enhance its revenue base.
Gazara noted: “After we finish our physical verification, we will look at how we can put all the redundant assets to better use.
“We will also look at the plots that have been sold to people but with default on payment, as many of the beneficiaries only paid one-third of the cost, not even half payment.
“We will take all necessary action to either recover the plot or ensure that all beneficiaries complete their payment.”
The managing director noted with dismay that large number of occupants of the company’s properties were reluctant to pay their rent, with some owing between five to 15 years rent.
To address the problem, Gazara said the company would embark on massive awareness campaign to educate customers on where and when to pay their dues, including ground rent.
He further stated: “We notice that in some places, our monies were being paid into the local government accounts instead of KSDPC.
“Some of these people are not even aware that they were to pay to the company.
“Therefore, we would be going round shops, houses and other properties of the company to create the needed awareness to ensure all our monies are paid into our accounts.”
On the 90-day ultimatum to undeveloped plot owners to develop or risk revocation, Gazara said the step was in line with the administration’s policy on urban development.
