By Chiekezie Emmanuel
In response to the high rate of tenant fees in Enugu State, especially in student areas, the Enugu State Government has revealed plans to build student hostels and move all students onto campus.
This was revealed on Tuesday during an exclusive interview with the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, on African Independent Television (AIT).
Speaking to newsmen, he stated that the Enugu State Government plans to accommodate all ESUT students on campus. The government is collaborating with Tetiary Education fund (TETFund)to build massive hostels that will accommodate every ESUT student inside the campus.
“Government is also fencing ESUT round. Some staff quarters are going to be demolished to make way for high-rise buildings to accommodate more staff. When staff move in and live inside the institutio
n, that will free up some buildings,” he said.
He also mentioned that Institute of Management and Technology,(IMT) and Enugu State Polytechnic Iwollo (ESPOLY) will join the initiative.
Mr. Nnamani highlighted some reasons for the increase in house rent by landlords, stressing that tax is not the reason for house rent increments in Enugu State. He cited the national issue of housing deficit.
“We have about 20 million housing deficit in Nigeria, and this housing deficit is increasing on a daily basis because over the years we have not built houses that will accommodate people. Enugu is expanding in business and is no longer just a civil service state as it used to be called.”
He further stated that previously there were no coal mining sites, but now there are major sites with staff who will need housing.
“That house you live in and complain is 1.2 million naira, if you fail to pay, another person might tell the landlord that he can pay 2 million naira, and they will sack you.”
He concluded that all these factors are putting pressure on housing, and that the government has a plan to address it.
