Lafarge partners French agency to tackle housing deficit

Lafarge Africa Plc has expressed concern over the 17million housing deficit  in the country.
But the cement company said in its current newsletter obtained by our correspondent  that it is determined to contribute to narrow the housing deficit through its Ile Irorun programme designed to enable low income families build their own homes.
The company said, “To make this happen, the company has partnered with the French Development Agency and LAPO Microfinance.
It said currently, over 8000 beneficiaries have participated in the scheme, while 30,000 Nigerians are projected to benefit from the programme by 2018.
The cement company also emphasized that the growing urban population leaves poses important challenge of providing all inhabitants with decent, affordable and sustainable housing  irrespective of their income.
It said, “To meet the challenge, we have developed solid, accessible and affordable materials for the construction of new homes and renovation of existing ones.
“Our concrete and cement solutions can be adapted and vary according to local resources and building methods.”
The company emphasized that it is committed to making Nigeria more beautiful with quality and aesthetic products.
According to Lafarge, many architects have been inspired by concrete, a material capable of remarkable technical performance and a flexibility that makes architectural taste possible.
“It is used today both for buildings of exception and to give a touch of originality to more functional structures, such as hospitals, airports and museums.
“Its flexibility also makes it an ideal material for projects to restore the architectural heritage,” it said in the newsletter.