From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma has expressed displeasure over the non-completion of a 250-unit housing project in Katsina State.
Darma, who spoke after inspecting the project, said contractors handling the scheme had failed to comply with the terms of their contractual agreement.
He explained that the Federal Government awarded the project under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme in 2024, with a completion period of six months.
However, after about twenty-two months, only 130 out of the 250 housing units have been completed.
The minister rejected claims by the contractors that delays were caused by the non-release of funds from his ministry, insisting that they ought to have formally communicated any challenges encountered.
“You signed a contractual agreement to complete the housing project within six months. It is your responsibility to abide by the terms of the contract,” he said.
Darma stressed that contractual agreements are legally binding documents that must be respected by all parties.
“If you violate a contract agreement, you will definitely bear responsibility,” he added
He expressed dissatisfaction over the delay and warned that the government would not accept any excuses from the contractors.
The minister also directed the Controller of Housing overseeing the project to prepare a comprehensive report on the project, including its cost and timeline.
He further instructed him to summon all the contractors for a meeting and submit the report by Wednesday.
According to him, the report would guide the ministry in taking appropriate action regarding the project.
Earlier, the Controller of Housing in the ministry deployed to Katsina, Ishaya Musa, informed the minister that the housing units include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
He also noted that contracts for road construction and water provision were awarded alongside the housing project.
Musa added that the ministry had received about 1,000 applications from individuals seeking allocation of the houses.
He commended K-4 Engineering Contracting Firm for completing 100 housing units allocated to it.
