Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Monday commissioned Phase One of the Greater TAF City Housing Estate, developed under the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA).
The commissioning formed part of a broader plan to decongest the state capital and provide affordable housing for middle-income earners.
Fubara said the project was a bold idea he conceived during one of the most challenging periods of his administration, adding that it faced obstacles unmatched by any other development initiative in the state.
He said, “We are all aware of the history surrounding the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and the acquisition of land by previous administrations to move development from the city centre to other areas.”
According to the governor, more than 90 court cases arose from individuals who claimed ownership of the land and alleged non-payment of compensation at the initial stage of the estate’s development.
Fubara described the litigation as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the vision of the estate and endanger the welfare of the people.
He said the commissioning demonstrated the seriousness of his administration’s commitment to delivering 1,000 housing units in the first phase, within a broader plan to construct 20,000 units.
“Today marked not just the delivery of the first phase, but proof that the vision of 1,000 housing units was real. This project targets middle-income earners and represents a major step in moving development from the city centre to this axis,” he said.
The governor urged all land allottees in the area to accelerate development, stressing that there was no justification for delays.
He commended the private sector partner, Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, and assured residents of the state government’s continued support to ensure the successful completion of the entire 20,000 housing units.
“You should understand the person you are dealing with. We were committed, determined, and placed the interest of Rivers State above personal interests. This is just the beginning,” he added.
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Fubara also said the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Initiative, noting that the state government had allocated land for 1,000 federal housing units.
He linked access to housing with social stability, stating that adequate shelter would significantly reduce crime by addressing basic human needs.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, Mustapha Njie, thanked the governor for his leadership and unwavering support.
Similarly, the Acting Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Barrister Bennett Chu, described the 20,000 affordable homes initiative as a long-held dream that had become a reality.
Chu applauded Fubara for entrusting the Authority with the supervision of what he described as a legacy project that offered hope to low- and middle-income earners.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Wobodo Charles, praised the governor for his consistent presence and commitment to projects that positively impacted the people.
He acknowledged the governor’s multiple visits to the council area in the preceding two weeks to flag off and commission projects, describing them as a demonstration of his love for the people, and expressed gratitude on behalf of the local government.
