Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has commissioned the first Phase of the Greater TAF City Housing Estate, stressing that there is no going back in his addressing the housing needs of Rivers people.
Fubara, who spoke at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, described the project as a clear demonstration of his administration’s resolve to put the welfare of the people above all obstacles.
He said that despite stiff opposition and over 90 court cases instituted to frustrate the project, it was started through the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), as a bold move by administration to decongest Port Harcourt metropolis and provide decent, affordable homes for middle-income earners.
He said: “This project shows our determination to solve the housing challenge in Rivers State. Despite the difficulties and distractions, we remained focused because the interest of our people must always come first.”
He said that those who initiated court cases against the project claimed ownership of the land, in order to deliberately stall it’s development.
The governor, however, said that he overcome these challenges due to his administration’s seriousness in delivering critical infrastructure that directly improves living conditions.
Fubara explained that Phase One is part of a broader vision to deliver 1,000 housing units initially, within an ambitious plan of 20,000 affordable homes across the axis.
“What we are commissioning today confirms that our promise to deliver housing is real. This is not just about buildings; it is about providing security, dignity and stability for our people,” he stated.
The Governor urged land allottees in the area to commence development without delay, stressing that accelerated growth of the estate would further ease housing pressure in the state.
He lauded the private sector partner, Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, for its resilience and assured continued government support to ensure the full realization of the 20,000 housing units.
Governor Fubara also aligned the project with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing initiative, noting that Rivers State has allocated land for 1,000 federal housing units to complement the state’s efforts.
“When these units are completed alongside our remaining projects, access to housing will significantly improve, and with that, social stability and reduced crime will follow,” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mustapha Njie, commended the governor for his leadership, and described him as the driving force behind the success of the project.
