Architects tasked on affordable housing

The Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) Minister Muhammad Musa Bello has charged Nigerian architects to design implementable housing template that would lead the FCT and the nation out of the housing challenge.
Bello said  out of the 8000 square kilometers  Abuja is composed of, the total built-up space is still less than 20 percent, noting that the city needs affordable, livable and environmentally-friendly housing alternatives that ensure that people have access to adequate housing.
He said the percentage is a far cry when viewed against the backdrop of a population estimated at six million people, adding that the task of building a befitting city in the face of paucity of funds and constant influx of people still remain an ongoing challenge. Bello disclosed this during the 2016 Architect Colloquium’ with the theme “Architects and the National Development Agenda” organized by Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
Represented by the Director Public Building Department in the FCTA, Ikenna Ekeledo, Bello  noted that Nigeria is confronted with the challenge of housing deficit projected at 17 million housing unit, saying that Abuja is estimated to have a share of between five and 10 percent of the total.
The minister urged ARCON to lead the war against building collapse and use of substandard materials.