An architect, Mr, Lawrence Utsaha has said that said Nigeria needs to take a revolutionary approach to solving the housing problem in the country.
He said adopting technology in the built environment is the sure way of bridging the housing deficit but warned that “Housing is a sensitive matter that has emotional and cultural roots. Technology, on the other hand, needs to be sustainable, and needs to connect to culture or the way of doing things. So, the housing technological solutions must have respect for, or accommodate the way of living of the people and take into cognizance environmental issues.
“The technology must take its supplies from close proximity – with lesser dependency on importation if it will significantly bridge the shortfall.”
He applauded the ICON 3D Technology deployed in constructing the Texas Hill Country homes, saying there were lessons Nigerian professionals in the sector could learn from.
He said, “One major lesson is the timely delivery of projects using the technology, which has a consequential impact on the final cost of project delivery. Again, it also showcases the need for mass production of components and the need to cut down on time spent on sites.”
Ultimately, Utsaha said the mortgage system needs to embrace technology to enhance its operations in a manner that puts it in a position to support the sector robustly.
He added that, “There should be ease of land acquisition for housing, further research works, and domestication of information on newer building components, materials, and products; and firmer regulation of practitioners in the industry are, overall, provide the pathway to surmounting the housing challenge in Nigeria.”
Also, a housing advocate, Barr. Festus Adebayo, said it is expedient for professionals in the industry to partner with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide affordable housing which will in turn stimulate the nation’s almost comatose economy.
Adebayo, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), spoke with newsmen in Abuja.
He said the 17th edition of the show holding “on Monday, 24th of July to Thursday, 27th July, will offer private sector professionals and the government the platform to find lasting solutions to the housing problem.
He said the largest housing and construction expo will attract important personalities from across Africa and the world, and it will be the right avenue to discuss emerging technologies in the sector and how they can be deployed to solve the housing problem.
He said, “Immediately after the opening ceremony, there shall be an all-important CEOs’ forum, which is a convergence of elite chief executives from Nigeria and across the world, to devise the most effective solutions to the challenges in the housing and construction industry.
