NHC seeks over Sh230bn for key projects

Dar es Salaam. The National Housing Corporation director general, Mr Nehemiah Mchechu, recently called on the government to issue a guarantee for the corporation to seek loans from commercial banks for completion of its ongoing projects.

“We need at least Sh232 billion being a loan from commercial banks in order to accomplish the four pending projects in Dar es Salaam,” the director general said.

All project are set to earn the firm a profit amounting to Sh118 billion to be spent on building other affordable houses across the country in part of efforts to extend housing network.

On his quick rejoinder, the head of state the government hesitated to issue the guarantee following the misuse of funds recorded at the entity in the past.

“This was the reason why the government froze issuance of guarantee for the corporation, and it’s my call to management that despite the good job done, but you need to improve the way you manage the budget,” he said.

Dr Magufuli however hailed efforts made by the NHC on expansion of housing projects across the country in a bid to address shortage which stands at 3 million houses.

The corporation has a target of building 50,000 houses in five years (between 2015 and 20).

At the Iyumbu housing project the government has bought 68 houses worth Sh3.88 billion for staffs of the immigration department.

Present on the event was the minister of Land and Human Settlement Mr William Lukuvi who appreciated efforts made by other sectors such as power utility Tanesco and the Dodoma Urban Water Supply Authority (Duwasa) in ensuring adequate supply of electricity and water for the Iyumbu house project.

He also extoled the management of NHC on the successful project completion that is said to contribute in the country’s’ economy.

“The government is positive that this project will be of huge benefit, but I emphasize that more efforts should be made on affordable housing plan which will provide house facility at reasonable price with the aim to increase customer rate and also solving the house scarcity challenge,” he said.

The event was also attended by the Parliament Speaker Mr Job Ndugai, Deputy Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, minister of state at Prime Minister’s office, Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled Ms Jenista Mhagama and his deputy MrAntony Mavunde.

Others were minister of Home Affairs Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, Commissioner General of Immigration Dr Anna Makakala, Dodoma Regional Commissioner Dr Bilinith Mahenge, other government and NHC officials as well as some members of the public in Dodoma municipal.