Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that more than 90 lawsuits were filed in an attempt to frustrate his administration’s plan to deliver decent and affordable housing for middle-income earners in the state.
The governor made this known on Monday while inaugurating Phase One of the Greater TAF City Housing Estate, located across Ikwerre and Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas.
The estate, which has a projected 20,000 housing units, is being developed under the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority as part of a broader strategy to decongest Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Fubara described the project as more than a housing scheme, noting that it was conceived during one of the most challenging periods of his administration.
He recalled that at the inception, several individuals laid ownership claims to portions of the land, alleging non-payment of compensation.
According to him, the project was deliberately targeted with multiple legal actions aimed at halting its progress. He, however, expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and community leaders who stood by the government to ensure the realisation of the vision.
“This was an idea that faced challenges no other development has ever faced in Rivers State. We are all aware of the history surrounding the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and the acquisition of land by previous administrations to move development from the city centre to other areas.
You will not believe that when we started this project, we were confronted with over 90 litigations from individuals claiming ownership of the land and alleging non-payment of compensation. It was a deliberate ploy to frustrate this vision and endanger the welfare of our people,” the governor said.
Fubara emphasised that the inauguration of the first phase affirms his administration’s commitment to delivering 1,000 housing units in the initial phase, within the larger 20,000-unit plan.
“Today marks not just the delivery of the first phase, but proof that the vision of 1,000 housing units is real. This project is for middle-income earners and represents a major step in moving development from the city centre to this axis,” he stated.
The governor urged land allottees within the estate to accelerate development, stressing that there was no justification for delays. He also commended the private sector partner, Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, for its role in the project.
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