Lafarge Launches Studio-model Affordable Housing Project

AS part of its social responsibility to the Nigerian populace, a cement manufacturer giant, Lafarge Africa Plc has struck a deal with the Federal Government to deliver 500 units of low cost housing in Abuja.

The project, according to the promoter, which would kick off in 2016, is also a testimony to the company’s pledge to complement government’s effort at bridging the housing deficit in Nigeria.

Disclosing this during the official launching of its studio model, at its Oregun’s office last week, Head, Affordable Housing and Building, Lafarge Africa PLc., Jumoke Adegunle, explained that the project is to herald the company’s desire to provide affordable housing to the Nigerian masses.



The firm is taking affordable housing seriously, hence the decision to come up with the studio model that are within the reach of singles and newly married couple, who are desirous to own their home, with little financial requirement

According to Adegunle, Lafarge Africa Plc., is taking affordable housing seriously, hence the decision to launch the studio model that are within the reach of the singles and newly married couple, who may not have the financial wherewithal to rent a flat, especially, in the urban centres, such as Lagos or Abuja.

She also informed that the firm would commence housing delivery in Abuja. “We are working on the possibility of delivering at least, 500 houses in Abuja in 2016. It is to be situated in Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in partnership with some developers”.

The accommodation, which is a 25-square metres, would be constructed with aluminum shuttling technology designed with toilet and bathroom and separate kitchen.

Giving the technical details of the house type, CEO Tye-Wall Construction Ltd., Mr. Tunde Isiolaotan, the contractor handling the project, explained that the building was not done in the traditional way, but rather, employed the modern technology known as “Aluminum Shuttling”.

According to him, the house type is ‘bulletproof’ as a result of prefabricated concrete block that makes up the shell. Besides, the electric cables, plumbing materials and other amenities are inbuilt, thereby creating no traces of naked cable or pipe except wash hand basins and toilet closets.
“This method is not only efficient, but with high quality, durable and conducive. The house shell can be done in two days, while finishing will take only 10 days. In essence, the entire duration to complete a house is just 12 days”, Isiolatan stated.

Allaying the fear of difficulty in carrying out repair in the event of any dis-functioning, he said all that needed to be done is to make use of diamond cutter, which any experienced artisan can use.

Speaking on the global vision of Lafarge for Nigeria in the area of low cost housing delivery, CEO Aggregates & Concrete, Lafarge ReadyMix Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Loren Zanin, said the firm is in partnership with the Federal government to provide 500 units of low cost house in Abuja.

The project is to be located at Gwagwalada, where a five hectares of land was already acquired and approved by the government. House types to be provided include 2,3 bedroom and studio types, with prices ranging from N1.5 for studio model, while others are within the range of N4m-N6m.
“This is our mission and we will ensure that we actualize it, because it is our corporate social responsibility to ensure that the less privileged Nigerians get decent accommodation. It is only where the terrain is difficult that we can increase the price. But for the fact that Lafarge gets the cement, doing land stabilisation and other advantages, we are poised to deliver to the satisfaction of Nigerians”, assured Mr. Sam Ndionyenma, Sales Director, Cement, Lafarge Africa Plc., adding that with the use of this technology, it saves between 20-25 percent of what it would cost to build in conventional ways.

It was also revealed that under its “Easy Home” scheme, 2,500 families have indicated their interest in nine states, covering the south west, excluding Ekiti, and North central, specifically, Kwara state.

Disclosing this at the event, Lafarge Country affordable Housing Manager, Mr. Aurelien Boyer, said under affordable housing, the firm is set to extend its activities to the South West area of the country, including Kwara and Edo.
“Besides, we are also planning to exploring the opportunity of embarking on housing construction in Mowe and Epe area of Ogun and Lagos respectively and this will target both low and middle income groups”.
“As a long term vision, Lafarge is planning to come to the aid of individual who would be home owners by assisting to help in building with this technology, which will not only be cost effective, but also save time and offer quality”, said Adegunle.

Sourced- Guardian News