Delta Government Moves to Crash Soaring House Rents, Set to Complete Abandoned Estates

House rents in Delta State may soon fall to more affordable levels as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has unveiled plans to complete abandoned housing estates and initiate new projects across the state to ease the housing deficit.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Godknows Angele, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Asaba, noting that the Governor was deeply concerned about the “astronomical rents” residents are forced to pay to commercial property owners.

According to him, the state government, in partnership with private developers, will soon commence work on a 300-unit government housing estate behind the Asaba International Airport, as well as the Okwe Housing Estate and the State Housing Estate in Agbor. He added that several groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for September to kick-start new housing projects across the 25 local government areas, with particular focus on civil servants and local government workers who have been impoverished by high rental costs.

Highlighting achievements so far, Angele said the Oborevwori administration had already delivered notable projects, including the new Commissioners’ Quarters, completed housing units at the 63 Brigade Housing Estate, and other estates that demonstrate the Governor’s determination to address housing needs.

The Commissioner further revealed that the government was working on a bill to regulate the activities of property agents, whose unrestrained fees and practices have contributed to skyrocketing rents. Once passed by the House of Assembly, the bill will help curb excessive charges and introduce a more transparent pricing framework.

Appealing to landlords and property developers, Angele urged them to collaborate with the government by reducing rental costs and supporting efforts to create a fair and conducive housing market.

He commended Governor Oborevwori for prioritizing the welfare of Deltans through his MORE Agenda, assuring residents that the housing initiatives would receive urgent attention.

“Governor Oborevwori is in tune with the challenges and plight of residents. His administration is working assiduously to make life better for Deltans, and housing is a key part of that commitment,” Angele said.