In a decisive move to tackle the housing deficit and provide affordable shelter for its residents, the Katsina State Government has earmarked a staggering N5 billion for the construction of new housing units.
This initiative, aimed at boosting accessibility to decent homes, marks a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to improving the living standards of its people.
The General Manager of the Katsina State Housing Authority, Aliyu Rabiu-Kurfi, revealed this development during an interview, shedding light on the ambitious housing project set to commence soon. According to him, half of the allocated funds—approximately N2.5 billion—will be utilized for the construction of 100 housing units in the state capital. The remaining amount, he noted, could potentially be directed toward fencing and site clearance of another land acquisition in Abuja, though a final decision has yet to be made.
Rabiu-Kurfi emphasized that the state government is carefully considering its approach, weighing whether to fully develop the land or create an enabling environment where both private individuals and real estate developers can construct homes. He reassured residents that the administration is deeply committed to addressing housing challenges, as reflected in the newly formulated ‘Katsina State Housing Policy 2024.’ This policy is expected to serve as a blueprint for all future housing initiatives, ensuring sustainable urban development across the state.
Housing development has long been a priority in Katsina, with successive administrations consistently investing in residential estates. Since the state’s creation in 1987, a total of 1,848 housing units have been constructed, providing shelter to thousands of families. Many of these estates are located in key areas such as Batagarawa, Kofar Marusa, Ahmadu Coomassie, and Goruba within Katsina city, as well as Dutsin-ma, Kankia, Daura, Mani, Funtua, Malumfashi, Barhim, Sarki Abdulrahman, Fatima Shema, Ahmadu Bello Sardauna, and Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina. A housing project was also initiated in Abuja, further extending the state’s efforts to provide affordable accommodation.
Over the years, these homes have been allocated to both civil servants and private individuals, offering them a stable living environment. However, despite the government’s efforts, a significant amount—nearly N2 billion—remains unpaid by some beneficiaries who acquired these properties. This outstanding debt highlights the financial challenges associated with public housing projects and raises questions about how the state intends to recover these funds while pushing forward with new developments.
Katsina’s latest housing drive is expected to not only create homes but also stimulate economic activity, providing job opportunities for contractors, builders, and suppliers involved in the construction process. As the state prepares to roll out this project, many residents are hopeful that this initiative will address the rising demand for affordable housing and contribute to the overall development of the region.
With the groundwork being laid for these new estates, all eyes are now on the government to see how effectively this project will be executed. Will this be the game-changer that transforms the housing landscape in Katsina, or will it face the same challenges of previous projects? Time will tell, but for now, the state has taken a bold step in the right direction.
