IN Bayelsa, two private sector organisations are concluding plans to embark on a multi-billion naira pilot housing project as a means of providing affordable and luxury housing for Nigerians in both urban and rural areas of the country.The initiative, which contract has been signed between GEP Nigeria Limited (GEPN) and one of Nigeria's leading players in the mortgage sector, Mortgage Trans Atlantic Mortgages Limited is a joint venture project worth N14.5 billion, to be located in Bayelsa State and known as Goodluck Jonathan Legacy City, Phase I.The scheme will deliver 1,440 units of houses in Yenagoa, and is part of the group's plan to deliver more than one million energy saving housing units across the country. Modeled after modern European standard self-sustaining community development, the project comes with infrastructure while communities would be developed at considerably lower cost and at a much quicker speed than traditional construction methods.Each unit will be fitted with access to a modern telecommunications solution platform, water and drainage system, security, smart energy options, food security systems, paved roads, commercial, educational, religious and social components such as schools, club houses, shopping malls, libraries, worship centers and health care centres.Apart from the group's financial input, international lenders - Credit SUISSE will be the leading financial partners for the projects across the country. According to the promoters, the full scheme is expected to create an estimated 700,000 jobs (for both skilled and unskilled labor) as well as provide platforms for new business linkages; promoting sustainable economic growth, and the birth of green environments in Nigeria.The Managing Director, Trans-Atlantic Mortgages Limited, Mr. Preye Ogriki, said core focus is to deliver wealth creation through the housing platform, rendering cutting edge and technology driven service, anchored on satisfying customer's unique needs as well as delivering optimum returns to shareholders in a friendly atmosphere. This project will provide a conducive environment and good quality houses for the public and private sectors, especially the middle class.The Country Director, GEP Nigeria, Mr. Tarry Rufus said: 'These projects hold a tremendous promise in partnering with development stakeholders, government ministries, Departments and Agencies in promoting job creation, capacity building, foreign direct investments, technology and knowledge transfer, sustainable economic development, improved lifestyle, increased tourism and enabling environment in the country.
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