Affordable housing scheme for commercial tricycle operators was
on Friday unveiled in Karshi community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is floated by Keke
Operators Positive Initiative (KOPI), an NGO geared toward the well being and
common interest of tricycle operators in the country.
Community
leaders, KOPI board members, tricycle owners and operators as well as other
stakeholders were present at the formal unveiling and presentation of the
project master plan by consultants handling it.
Mr
Hassan Shettima, the National President of KOPI, said that the project was to
assist operators of tricycles have their own houses, however small from their
meager income.
He
said that the first phase of the project tagged: ‘KOPI Magnanimous Estate’,
which will commence in October with 1,000 housing units is to be sited in
Karshi Community.
Shettima
said that the initiative would among other things make the business more
attractive as a viable venture that operators could be proud of,
especially to the youth.
“In
line with our humanitarian objective of empowering the keke operators, we have
decided to start a housing scheme for them.
“We
actually approach our patrons including the Emirs of Karshi, Suleja and
that of Kainji, among others and they gave us free land for this project.
“It
will be self-funded from the operators with their savings through the Federal
Mortgage Bank with the assistance of other development partners.
“The
bank will determine the repayment plan in line with members savings, and we
believe this will make both operators and those investing in the business proud
of it,” he said.
Mr
David Ibrahim, the project consultant, commended the leadership of the group,
describing the project as a source of succour and hope for the common man.
“Some
of these Keke operators have been sleeping in unhealthy and insecure places
because they could not afford shelter over their heads and many have put their
lives in danger along the line.
“I
am very proud to be part of this laudable initiative as plans are in top gear
to make sure we begin construction in October this year.
“The
workforce will be sourced from this community and this will create jobs, while
boosting economic activities in the area during the construction period,” he
said.
Mr
David Ayilara, whose company, Archidawn Real Project, designed the
project, explained that the housing units would be built in the estate suitable
the financial strength of the target users.
“They
include self-contain room, convertible combined rooms, parking spaces, market
and other basic amenities as well as, accessible roads.
“I
have done my research and found out that this project for tricycle operators is
the first of its kind in Africa,” he said.
Mr
Yarima Salihu, the Chairperson of Keke Riders Association, FCT chapter, said
his members were happy with the initiative and were willing to be listed on it.
“We
are happy and proud that someone has good plans for us.
“We
are willing to work with them and encourage others to register with KOPI,” he
said (NAN)