The Nation Newspaper

Category: Building & Properties

  • NITP sets new parameters for Fellows

    NITP sets new parameters for Fellows

    Worried by the admittance of members into the Fellowship Class of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) without clear cut criteria, the institute has said it will no longer be a ‘tea-party’ for aspiring Fellows of the body.

    NITP,  after its College of Fellows Committee meeting, which deliberated on the issue in Abuja, has come up with fresh criteria.

    For instance, the NITP Constitution, which states that an aspiring Fellow must be an active member for no less than 10 years, and must have made significant contributions to the profession in the areas of practice, administration, research or academics, has now been modified. According to the committee, the 10-year mark does not automatically qualify any full member to be a Fellow.

    An aspiring fellow must demonstrate that he or she has been an active member over the previous 10 years of Full Membership.

    The committee, chaired by Waheed Kadiri, listed parameters to be considered in becoming a Fellow. They include:

    • Activeness of member in the institute (membership of state chapter; evidence of regularity of attendance of meetings and programmes at chapter level/financial responsibility; regularity at national programmes; attendance of mandatory continuous professional development programme (MCPDPs); attendance/sponsorship of international programmes sponsored by the institute; financial responsibility; material contributions to the institute; positions held/achievements recorded at state chapter and national executive committees)
    • Practice (registration of private practice with NITP and Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC); number of projects handled; types of projects handled; procedure of commission; basis of fees charged; number of professional colleagues involved; duration of project; evidence of acceptance and approval of project by the client; level of implementation of project and duration of project before review)
    • Administration (participation in policy formulation; proposals for preparation of masterplans and planning schemes to government/private individuals, and number of successes recorded); supervision of masterplan preparation and implementation; activities in development control and urban management; number of building plan approvals granted through applicant’s participation in the process; facilitation of enactment of Urban and Regional Planning Law, Planning Standards and Regulations in state/national levels; creating awareness on town planning)
    • Research (planning researches conducted and their relevance with evidence of reports produced; general response of public to research; areas of research in view; sponsorship of research)
    • Academics (years of experience in teaching; courses taught and level; number of student projects supervised; number of academic papers presented at national conferences or NITP journal; number of papers presented and published in international journals; number of books published)
    • General (disciplinary case with the institute; case of misconduct in the court of law; knowledge of the NITP constitution/URP law/code of ethics and professional practice; information on contemporary issues related to the profession; dressing and general comportment)

    While the first parameter (Activeness) carries 25 marks, the remaining five (Practice, Administration, Research, Academics and General) carry 15 marks each – totalling 100 marks. A cut-off pass mark of 60 per cent was recommended.

    “It is hoped that if these parameters are followed, there would be some measure of objectiveness and providing a level playing ground for all intending Fellows of the institute,”Kadiri, also a past president of the body, submitted.

    The Fellowship Class is the highest level of membership of the NITP. Other categories of membership include: Student, Graduate, Full and Retired. However, Honourary (as well as Fellowship) membership are conferred on persons not engaged in the practice of the profession, but have by reason of interest, made valuable contributions to the advancement of the theory and practice of town planning.

  • Sujimoto to change Nigerian luxury estate

    Sujimoto to change Nigerian luxury estate

    For high end property seekers, nothing compares to luxury and comfort. But even luxury has different categories. For instance, what is luxury for someone that lives in Chelsea, London might differ from what is luxury for someone that lives in Ikoyi, Lagos. This is because describing a luxury property in London might not be comparable to ‘luxury’ in Lagos.

    According to the Managing Director of Sujimoto, Mr. Sujibomi Ogundele, the fundamental principle of luxury is the capacity to blow people’s minds. This, he said, is what his firm has used religiously in its mission to change the Nigerian luxury real estate market.

    “Is quality really that expensive? What is expensive is our intention to deliver quality. Unfortunately, the need for immediate gratification by indigenous developers has had a negative effect in the luxury property market sector, leaving consumers to lean towards Italian, German and Lebanese companies alike. What these foreign firms can do, we can do better, faster and even cheaper! The Nigerian Real Estate Sector has refused to meet five per cent of its potential, and whilst clients and real estate enthusiasts testify that our buildings meet international standards, it is also an amazing investment vehicle for property investors,” Ogundele said.

    He said Sujimoto’s market intelligence showed that the most expensive apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, is of 300sqm size, and on offer for $2 million. While comparing the local luxury real estate market to what obtains in Europe, Ogundele said among all properties in Ikoyi, very few or almost none of them would meet 50 per cent of Lorenzo’s architecture, finishing and features. He, therefore, urged investors to key into its scheme, assuring that it would offer good return on investment.

    “First lucky investors would gain the opportunity to buy our luxury homes at a fraction of the outright sales price, thus, propelling their return on investment and above all, owning a property with a $2.5million value at a $1million investment. Some critics are still thinking, hoping, visualising and deciding, but as I always say, only the few brave optimists can control the wealth of the many pessimists,” Ogundele said.

  • LagosHOMS: Allottees to smile as rent-to-own scheme set for roll-out

    LagosHOMS: Allottees to smile as rent-to-own scheme set for roll-out

    The lull in the delivery of housing units under the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme to allottees may be over very soon. The delay may not be unconnected with the change in government and the re-engineering of government operations going on in the state. Now, in furtherance of empowering more residents to own houses, the state is set to roll out a rent-to-own scheme, raising the hope of millions of Lagosians, writes MUYIWA LUCAS.

    In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, shelter comes second after food. This is why no government interested in the welfare of its people toil with accommodation for its citizens.

    The Lagos State government, aware of the enormous pressure this constitute, has through various schemes tried to ameliorate the sufferings of the people in this regard. One of such initiatives is its Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (LagosHOMS), launched toward the end of the last administration.

    But the continued pressure on the state government to deliver on the scheme has been slowed down. This is because of the change in government and the restructuring of government business. But last week, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Mr. Olatunji Odunlami, in a meeting with allotees of Mushin, Igando and Sangotedo schemes, assured of the renewed efforts to deliver the houses on schedule.

    Odunlami appealed to the allottees be patient promising that government is determined to deliver quality and well finished houses to the allottees. He blamed the electioneering period which usually affects government business and the reengineering of government business at this period, as the cause of the delay in handing over units in the Mushin scheme, assuring that the allottees will get their house keys by this month end.

     

    The delay

    According to Odunlami, the delay in the delivery of the houses was due to the state government’s afforts at streamlining the approach to providing services to residents.

    He said: “The government is trying to reengineer itself to serve the people better. Those houses ought to have been completed and delivered because the Mushin project is already at 95 per cent but the estate will be completed and keys handed over to the allotees at the end of this month. “The governor has given a mandate to the ministry to do a review of all the ongoing housing estates under the scheme to help in completing all the outstanding.”

     

    Allottees demand

    At the meeting with the state government, the allottees appealed to the government to look into their demands and request, especially since they were supposed to have taken possession of the units since December last year.  They demanded that government should refund rents already paid by allottees to their landlords from December last year to the time they will get their allocation.

    Responding to the demand, Odunlami explained that whether government would pay them the rent that is owed, will involve dialogue.

    “We can keep talking and definitely, government will do what it can do because these are our people. Whatever they have asked and whatever is possible is what we are going to do. Some of them may be saying they want to take back their money. We don’t want them to do that because we have committed to them.

    “But if somebody is insisting that he wants to take his money, maybe he thinks his money has been spent, then they would be asked to come and pick up their money. Government has committed that they look; we are going to deliver to you, as far as it is a commitment of the government, then people should hold on to it. Like I was discussing with someone that even if someone wants to take his money, today-that let me come my money temporarily, we won’t withdraw the allocation. So when he is done, bring back your money and pay it to us. It is just to show your commitment and that is why you are paying. If you don’t do that and then you don’t it on time, then you will have issues at the end of the day.”

     

    Rent-to-own scheme

    Odunlami said to further provide housing for Lagosians, the state government will soon commence a rent-to-own scheme under the Homeownership Mortgage Scheme. He explained that modalities were being worked out to ensure its smooth take off. The scheme was initiated by former governor Babatunde Fashola, to encourage residents to participate in the state’s housing scheme aimed at reducing shortage of homes. He said  under the scheme, those who cannot afford the equity for an outright purchase of a house will pay a rent for a specific period, which will go towards offsetting the cost of the house.

    This, he further explained, is part of government’s efforts aimed at expanding the home ownership schemes as much as possible for people. “For government to bring out a policy, we have to think about it critically; consider the entire element involved vis-a-vis the people for whom you are planning the programme. We are in the process now; we are working out the number to see what it comes to, based on our yardstick which is usually the public servants whom we can easily track. The private sector can also key into the scheme,” Odunlami said.

     

    Other schemes

    The Sangotedo and Igando schemes, the Permanent Secretary assured, would be completed in phases and done simultaneously. The permanent secretary said all previous agreements reached in respect of the houses would be implemented.

    “We will continue to work simultaneously on the Sangotedo and Igandu schemes, Sangotedo is 60 per cent completed,

    “Look at Anthony Enahoro Estate in Ogba; all its facilities are in place; that estate is connected; they have transformer there, that’s what they are using now. The only thing that they were talking about was the issue of alternative power supply. I think a lot of people felt that alternative power is a responsibility of government, it is not.

     

    Infrastructure, maintenance

    An allottee under the Mushin scheme, Mr. Dotun Coker, appealed to the state government to address the issue of power supply to the estate and others. To this end, Odunlami explained that the estates would soon be connected to the national grid as generating sets would not be allowed under the scheme.

    Besides, the state government would engage facility managers from the private sector to manage the estates. “There is a need for coordinated approach to maintenance and facility managers will be employed. The government is not set to manage the estates, it will provide the necessary wherewithal and allow the private sector to run it,” he clarified.

    In estates such as Anthony Enahoro in Ogba, Odunlami said he is aware of the issue of alternative power supply. He disclosed that though everybody wants to use generator, but for health and other reasons, that will not be possible. “We don’t allow people to bring in individual generator. You won’t be able to control it. That is why the best thing to do is to bring what is readily available, a big generator.      But the running of it is the responsibility of the residents because they are the ones consuming it; that is what we are working on now,” he said.

  • Ogun, NSIA, Lafarge partner on Forest Restoration

    The Ogun State Government, inpartnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Lafarge Africa Plc, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint development of Ogun State Forest Landscape Restoration Project. The MoU was signed during President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to France. The MOU will enable the creation of a legal entity to develop the project, engage development agencies and climate change funds, and promote it to large agriculture and forestry investors.

    The project is set to transform 108,000 hectares of heavily degraded land into an arable green area. It is designed to employ innovative approaches to achieve best-of-breed environmental, social and economic results. The first part of the area will be rehabilitated through mixed reforestation to provide biodiversity hotspots corridors, allowing nomadic herders to cross the area with their herds and encouraging subsistent farming. The other part will be leased to agro-industrial investors interested in the development of large-scale tree crop such as cocoa, coffee, rubber and oil palm as well as annual crops such as maize, sesame, cotton and cassava amongst others.

    Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, explained that the restoration and enhancement of the state’s forests benefits the environment and creates jobs in rural communities. Besides, he reckons that it will increase the pace and scale of restoration of forests, which is critically needed to address a variety of threats – including fire, climate change, deforestation and others – for the benefit of the ecosystems and forest-dependent communities. “This project will show that enterprise and achieving strong mitigation are mutually supportive in tropical agriculture,” Amosun said.

    The Managing Director/CEO, NSIA, Mr. Uche Orji, said that ‘the NSIA Act permits us to participate in infrastructure projects of this nature. We are therefore committed not only to promoting economic development but also to stimulating greater environmental responsibility through the projects we support and participate in. We view this project as an important investment in sustainable development and remain focused on facilitating incremental participation in initiatives that reduce carbon foot print across the country and reverse deforestation for the benefit of future generations of Nigerians’.

    Similarly, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge Africa, Mr. Peter Hoddinott, stated that ‘Our strong commitment to the environment and social sustainability of our operations and the communities within which we operate leads us naturally to support the Ogun State project that promises strong positive impact on these issues, particularly on climate change. The use of agro-ecology and agro-forestry principles in these project will increase their productivity, ensuring the land becomes one of Nigeria’s best carbon capture areas and generating  biomass waste that Lafarge intends to use to fire its cement kilns.’

    In December 2015, France will host the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. That confab will aim to achieve a binding agreement to keep global warming below 2°C. In that context, the Ogun State Forest Landscape Restoration Project is a pioneering initiative demonstrating how a private group can join force with proactive public entities to launch sustainable projects and will position Nigeria as an African leader to launch sustainable Climate Change PPP projects

  • Construction lifts GDP by 3.2 %

    The Chief Executive Officer, InstinctWave, Mr. Akin Naphtal, has said the nation’s construction industry contributes about 3.2 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    This contribution, he noted, cannot be neglected because it has become a veritable index in terms of employment generation for both skilled and unskilled manpower.

    This, Napthal  said, is an indication that construction industry has seen considerable growth, especially considering its 1.3 per cent growth in 2012. This development has made the industry to be recognised as Africa’s sector largest market which is also expected to grow at the fastest rate in the world through 2020. Factors such as a growing population, rapid urbanisation and rising demand for housing and infrastructure, were identified for this development.

    But, laudable as this feat is,  players in the sector have not been adequately recognised for the role they play in the development of the industry, in spite of their creativity and innovativeness.

    Now, after successfully holding similar awards in Ghana- the MarketingWorld Awards and Africa Brand Conferences, InstinctWave, the publisher of InstinctBusiness magazine, is set to honour Nigerian operators in the construction sector for their contributions to the sector in the maiden edition of the Nigeria Construction Awards 2015.

    According to him, the awards, slated for November 20 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, is to recognise and honour companies and individuals for their accomplishments and contribution to the growth of the industry.

    “The construction industry plays an important role in economic growth. However, the industry has been overlooked in terms of rewarding innovation and creativity. Our goal is to celebrate the achievements of those construction companies and individuals who have made it their responsibility to transform this industry and advance the country’s infrastructure development,” he said. He hoped that the awards ceremony would present an opportunity for stakeholders to advocate for the industrialisation of the country by way of investment in the area of civil engineering, building, industrial, residential construction and beautification.

    Napthal assured that the awards ceremony will not be just another networking opportunity for participants, but one that would allow companies and individuals a platform to tell their success stories and accomplishments while opening windows for  synergies in the sector.

    Various categories of awards are being considered for different aspects of construction work, companies and individuals including Construction CEO of the Year; Industry Personality of the Year;  Lifetime Achievement Award;  Excellence Award for Women in Construction; Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year; Best Infrastructure Development Bank Award; Construction Company of the Year; Public Private Partnership of the Year; Best Local Contractor; Concrete Producer of the Year; Block Manufacturing Company of the Year, etc.

  • ‘Land Use Planning Report’ll ease land use’

    ‘Land Use Planning Report’ll ease land use’

    The President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Dr Femi Olomola, has assured that the Land Use Planning Report (LUPAR) will expand Site Analysis Report (SAR) applications.

    He spoke during the institute’s 17th Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP) in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

    The forum had as a theme: “Development of a Multi-User Template for Land Use Planning and Analysis Reporting (LUPAR) in Nigeria.”

    He said the initiative, conceived by his administration, would build on the SAR’s processes and procedures, add references and other information on buildings, title deeds, the local land use and development, and permits on property.

    According to town planners, the new LUPAR format, in addition to other benefits, can become a useful and authentic instrument that supports applications for opening of corporate bank accounts, process bank loans, make requests for insurance cover, and incorporate/register new companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    Besides, it would address the applications for building plan approvals/permits, issuance of certificates of occupancies (C-of-Os), and value to security and regulatory agencies, among others.

    “With LUPAR, it is hoped that 95 per cent of all problems related to lack of data, inadequate personnel and stress on development control will be significantly addressed. This shall lead to situations where our colleagues in government can now rely on LUPAR as a companion in their decision making processes. A combination of two or three LUPARs in the same neighbourhood will, if carefully joined together, provide an updated base map of the neighbourhood at zero cost to the Town Planning Authority,” Olomola explained.

    He added that the expanded areas of its application cut across various sectors of the economy, many of which have relevance to the financial sector and regulatory agencies.

    He said the MCPDP was aimed at building consensus on the new template among the practitioners and to allow for input before the report will be presented in October.

    He said a draft of the report would be ready before the institute’s national conference and yearly general meeting in October in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    “Be rest assured that a draft of the LUPAR will be prepared and made available in time for our next conference in Ilorin in October. All suggestions bothering comments, observations and corrections made during this MCPDP and the previous ones in Port Harcourt and Ibadan will between now and October be looked into and possibly adopted so that will have a robust LUPAR that we will present to a full house of the NITP in Ilorin,” Olomola said.

    Kaduna State Chapter Chairman, NITP, Muhammad Lawal Ubale,  said the state has been fortunate since its inception in having plans for its development.

    He recalled: “The first plan was drawn in 1913. The Kaduna master plan was prepared in 1967 to cover the planning period from 1961 to 2017. In 2010, the master plan was reviewed and Kaduna Spatial Development Framework was prepared for a planning period from 2010 to 2050. You may also wish to know that Kaduna became the administrative capital of Northern Nigeria from 1917 to 1959. It became the regional headquarters of Northern Nigeria from 1960 to 1966. In 1969, Kaduna became the capital North Central State up to 1975. Kaduna also became the capital of old Kaduna State which included the present Katsina State.

  • NMRC’s N1b facility deepens mortgage refinancing

    Hopes of a brighter future for mortgage seekers has received a leap with the refinancing initiative of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), which saw the Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Limited (formerly GTHomes Limited) emerging as the first mortgage bank to be refinanced by the NMRC.

    With the finance, Imperial Homes would be able to provide affordable homes at good mortgage rates.

    In a statement in Lagos, Imperial Homes’ Managing Director, Mr. Ben Akaneme, described the effort as a milestone, adding that it was an outstanding achievement in the march towards the realisation of affordable and good interest rates for mortgages.

    He assured that the bank would continue to ensure housing for all.

    Akaneme said the development would further help the bank’s business philosophy, which are based on the four cardinal principles of customer focus, customer services, innovativeness and total quality management.

    He said the bank was made up of diligent professionals who provide quality mortgage and financial services to organisations, professionals, workers as well as cooperative societies and their members.

    “The landmark refinancing brings the vision of homes for all Nigerians within reach,” Akaneme said.

  • ‘Land Use Planning Report’ll ease land use’

    ‘Land Use Planning Report’ll ease land use’

    The President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Dr Femi Olomola, has assured that the Land Use Planning Report (LUPAR) will expand Site Analysis Report (SAR) applications.

    He spoke during the institute’s 17th Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP) in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

    The forum had as a theme: “Development of a Multi-User Template for Land Use Planning and Analysis Reporting (LUPAR) in Nigeria.”

    He said the initiative, conceived by his administration, would build on the SAR’s processes and procedures, add references and other information on buildings, title deeds, the local land use and development, and permits on property.

    According to town planners, the new LUPAR format, in addition to other benefits, can become a useful and authentic instrument that supports applications for opening of corporate bank accounts, process bank loans, make requests for insurance cover, and incorporate/register new companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    Besides, it would address the applications for building plan approvals/permits, issuance of certificates of occupancies (C-of-Os), and value to security and regulatory agencies, among others.

    “With LUPAR, it is hoped that 95 per cent of all problems related to lack of data, inadequate personnel and stress on development control will be significantly addressed. This shall lead to situations where our colleagues in government can now rely on LUPAR as a companion in their decision making processes. A combination of two or three LUPARs in the same neighbourhood will, if carefully joined together, provide an updated base map of the neighbourhood at zero cost to the Town Planning Authority,” Olomola explained.

    He added that the expanded areas of its application cut across various sectors of the economy, many of which have relevance to the financial sector and regulatory agencies.

    He said the MCPDP was aimed at building consensus on the new template among the practitioners and to allow for input before the report will be presented in October.

    He said a draft of the report would be ready before the institute’s national conference and yearly general meeting in October in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    “Be rest assured that a draft of the LUPAR will be prepared and made available in time for our next conference in Ilorin in October. All suggestions bothering comments, observations and corrections made during this MCPDP and the previous ones in Port Harcourt and Ibadan will between now and October be looked into and possibly adopted so that will have a robust LUPAR that we will present to a full house of the NITP in Ilorin,” Olomola said.

    Kaduna State Chapter Chairman, NITP, Muhammad Lawal Ubale,  said the state has been fortunate since its inception in having plans for its development.

    He recalled: “The first plan was drawn in 1913. The Kaduna master plan was prepared in 1967 to cover the planning period from 1961 to 2017. In 2010, the master plan was reviewed and Kaduna Spatial Development Framework was prepared for a planning period from 2010 to 2050. You may also wish to know that Kaduna became the administrative capital of Northern Nigeria from 1917 to 1959. It became the regional headquarters of Northern Nigeria from 1960 to 1966. In 1969, Kaduna became the capital North Central State up to 1975. Kaduna also became the capital of old Kaduna State which included the present Katsina State.

    ‘’Finally, Kaduna became capital of the Kaduna State from 1989 to date. The experience of Kaduna as a regional capital and the role it is playing in Northern Nigeria and Nigeria in general cannot be overemphasised.”

  • Ambassador Heights makes debut in Accra

    Nigerians now have the opportunity of investing in real estate in Accra, Ghana, where Ambassador Heights, the first five-Star  residential development is set for occupation.

    The place, adjacent to the Moevenpick Ambassador Hotel,  is aimed at creating an exclusive community. It comprised residences which command the best in location, quality, and lifestyle.

    According to its promoters, it will commence a phased turnover in December.

    The project, being developed by KHI Ghana 01 and MAN Enterprise started in June, last year and its first ‘City Home’was completed in March. It is an integrated homeowner experience with access to the restaurants, retail, pool, spa, fitness, and meeting and event facilities of the surrounding Moevenpick Hotel and Emporium Commercial Complex.

    The Ambassador Heights’ Show Home is expected to give one an immediate feeling of luxury given the elegant wood finishes, custom designed modern furniture, draping chandeliers, designer appliances, and the latest technology including ‘smart home’, which create an ownership experience set apart from any other in the market.

    Floor-to-ceiling glass across the front of the home showcases a floating glass staircase while the back of the residence, also covered in glass, looks upon lush manicured gardens, beautiful amenities, and one of West Africa’s largest swimming pools.  Concierge, housekeeping, laundry, valet, and an array of other five-star hotel services are a phone call away.

    “I am proud to say the final product we delivered within Ambassador Heights has been well-received by all of our homeowners and those who have had the rare opportunity to view. Our development team has fulfilled their promise to create the most luxurious multi-home residential development in Ghana”, Robert Davis, Sales Manager for the project, said  in Lagos.

    He noted that as Ambassador Heights demands were being realised, adding: “This first-of-its kind project has truly set a new precedence for luxury living in the country and region.”

  • Firm set to deliver 500 houses in Abuja

    As part of Federal Government’s efforts to bridge the housing gap, a private firm, B.A.M. Projects & Properties, has promised to build and deliver 500 affordable housing units in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Communications Officer of the firm, Kelvin God’swill Musa, said the project located at BELHAM Estate in Karsana District near Gwarimpa Housing Estate, is being developed on a 45-hectare of land. The units are: two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom town houses, three-bedroom luxurious apartments, four-bedroom detached bungalows and five-bedroom villas.

    The Director, B.A.M Projects and Properties, Mr Abba Bello Mohammed, told reporters, shortly after the just-concluded Ninth Abuja Housing Development Exhibition which was held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) that his company had since three years ago embarked on the project having successfully completed all necessary building processes. An approval by the FCTA for a development lease was thereafter issued to the company under the mass housing scheme of the FCDA.

    He disclosed that his company is an emerging mass housing developer to watch in the FCT armed with the endorsement and recognition of the FCTA to participate in the scheme based on its cognate experience, expertise and full compliance with the laid-down procedures of the government.

    According to him, his company gained official recognition after it completed all the necessary procedures for registration such as payment of compensation to original settlers, approval of the engineering design and a certified development planning design.

    On why information about the project had been delayed until now, Mohammed explained that the company chose to utilise the opportunity of the exhibition to showcase itself to the housing and property market. He said that his team wanted to be sure that the project had taken off as proof to the public of its seriousness about the project. He expressed delight that public response to the range and quality of the houses so far has been impressive and encouraging.

    “With B.A.M Projects & Properties, you can be sure of our sense of quality and care as they blend with our reputation. It is only when you enter the houses that you get a true idea of how much thought and care that went into each property. We have taken every opportunity to blend comfort with contemporary style with insistence on the very best fixtures and fittings. This is only good for our esteemed clients”, he said.

    He said BELHAM Estate which is about 10 minutes drive from the Central Business District of the Capital City represents the climax of his company’s over six years’ arrival into the nation’s housing industry, adding that the company is founded  on the philosophy of “just do it well, the patronage will surely come”.

    “Our passion for craftsmanship, exploring  architectural heritage and for interior design has led to BAM’s projects being garlanded many times over in the industry and the media. By consistently maintaining standards and implementing a progressive programme of innovation, we have successfully participated in some of the best high profile schemes in the housing industry”he said