Briefing journalists here on Thursday State Minister of Work and Urban Development, Arkebe Ekubaye said his ministry has designed programs in a bid to build capacity of contractors and facilitate importation of necessary construction items.

He said the housing development program is aimed at addressing shortage of residential units, creating jobs and enhancing the construction industry.

Some 3,500 small and micro enterprises have already been trained and engaged in the housing development, he said.

More than 1,000 contractors are engaged in the construction work and they have created150,000 jobs as of late.

The housing development program is being carried out in 55 towns, he said, adding, even regional states which need special support have finalized preparations to launch their respective housing development programs.

According to the State Minister, construction of more than 140,000 houses is well in progress at present and construction of over 80,000 new residential units will also be launched, shortly.

Arkebe also stressed that the ongoing construction activity is contributing its share to extricate nation from poverty.

The government is exerting effort to address capacity limitation of contractors and shortage of construction materials by providing relevant training and facilitating importation of necessary materials, he noted.

R: 6:45-7:15Pm

E: 7:11-7:32

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