Affordable housing: Expert tasks FG on local building materials

Dr Christopher Belonwu, an expert in the built sector, has called on government to invest in locally sourced building materials to make affordable housing a reality in the country.

Belonwu, who is also the Chairman of Artisans and Craftsmen Qualifications Awarding Board of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), spoke in a telephone interview with the newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, if government puts money in Research and Development for locally sourced alternative building materials, this should reduce the cost of materials and reduce pressure on the Naira.

“Government should stop been political about it and put words into action. There should be regulations on the escalating prices of building materials.

“Nearly everyday, you find prices of building materials going up in the market because nobody is regulating the cost of materials.

“Manufacturers and marketers sell at whatever price they feel is okay for them because nobody is regulating them which is quite unfortunate.”

Beleonwu also suggested that government should make the mass housing affordable for off-takers.

“The mass housing been built by government should be made affordable for off takers. The common man or average civil servant should be able to afford it.

“Most times, the houses are bought by the wealthy since the poor or average Nigerians cannot afford them.

“Location of housing estates being developed is also a factor. They should be accessible and infrastructure around them should be developed.

“Government should be serious with the mortgage system. Rent to own initiative should be encouraged,” the expert said.

Supreme News reports that the board is the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Awarding Body for Construction Trades.