A partnership between Lafarge Africa and Ogun State Property and Investment Company (OPIC) has yield the first set of houses at the New Makun City Housing project in Sagamu Ogun State.

The 750-hectare Makun City project, was commissioned by the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosu last week Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosu as part of the  40 people oriented projects to celebrate 40 years of Ogun State, South West Nigeria.

While speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosu who commissioned the project on behalf of the Vice President congratulated OPIC and Lafarge for the landmark achievement. He said he is happy the government is working the talk with this project as well as others that have been commissioned by the Vice President since the commencement of the 40 years anniversary celebrations.

“With the completion of the first phase of the project, the construction of which was in just 21days, Lafarge Africa is contributing to the provision of affordable housing to Nigerians and bridging the gap of 17million housing deficit in Nigeria” says Adepeju Adebajo, CEO, WAPCO Operations, Lafarge Africa Plc.

She further stated that, “It is a great pleasure as Lafarge to felicitate with and congratulate the people of Ogun State on this landmark achievement and the commissioning of 40 projects. It is a very proud moment for us and for me as a daughter of Ogun State, contributing to putting roof over the heads of Nigerians and we are very proud to have been given this opportunity”.

Speaking on the new buildings, Jumoke Adegunle, Head, Affordable Housing & Building,  Lafarge Africa Plc., explained that Lafarge is setting a great example for organisations like OPIC as well as building owners and designers by providing building solutions and assistance that makes the construction of houses faster and bring about up to 18 per cent reduction in construction cost.

“In using concrete in the construction of these new buildings we are able to deliver in 4 weeks the ten units in good quality and right specification. What you have around you is the solid concrete structure which has been achieved in collaboration with OPIC”, Adegunle added.

“What we are doing is to provide affordable housing leveraging on technology to give cheaper cost compared to other forms of building. In essence we have industrialised the process of building in Nigeria,” she noted.

Babajide Odusolu, the Special Adviser/Managing Director, OPIC said on completion, New Makun City, which covers an area of 750 hectares would have both residential and commercial districts with key attractions including cycling trails, a racing track, executive golf course and a mini water park for recreational use.

According to him, New Makun City was being developed, using a twin strategy of OPIC direct intervention and development agreements with private organizations such as Property Mart, Lafarge, Practical Habitat and other infrastructure service partners.

He added that the first phase being commissioned covered 180 hectares and was focused on creation of a 5km asphaltic road network and development of pilot units of 3 bedroom detached bungalows.

According to him, OPIC had partnered with contractors such as Lafarge Holcim to put up the concrete carcass units, while the actual finishing was done by OPIC. The first ten of such units were fully delivered within a 21 day period with plans on going to develop 100 more units within the next 6 months. In addition, OPIC will be delivering serviced plots for willing buyers to purchase.

The general public were further enjoined to take the OPIC advantage which is a purchase-plan that is open to intending-buyers, allowing a minimum of 30 per cent deposit, with the balance spread over a period of three years.