An in-depth investigation conducted by The Spectacle has uncovered deeply troubling conditions in the Family Homes Estate, a housing project that was built in 2022 during the administration of former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle. The housing estate, designed to provide affordable accommodation for state workers, has instead left occupants facing numerous structural issues and an overall lack of essential amenities, according to firsthand accounts from residents and an on-site investigation.
The housing units in Family Homes Estate, located along Janyau/Daza after Gidan Dawa area of Gusau, were sold to civil servants at the price of ₦4,288,536 per unit for a two-bedroom house. However, the condition of these homes has reportedly not lived up to the expected standards for government housing initiatives, with residents now appealing for authorities to intervene and address the serious deficiencies.
In interviews with residents, The Spectacles heard multiple complaints about substandard construction. One resident, who requested anonymity, expressed deep frustration, stating, “I want you to kindly visit the quarters and see how poorly the houses were built and allocated to the poor civil servants at an exorbitant price. In the history of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, I don’t think there are any government quarters built in such a poor and deplorable condition.”
Upon visiting the estate, The Spectacle observed widespread structural and material failures across numerous units. Major issues include:
- Leaking Roofs: All houses in the estate reportedly suffer from severe roofing leaks, making the properties barely habitable, particularly during the rainy season.
- Cracked Walls and Flooring: Structural integrity appears compromised, with numerous buildings showing large cracks in walls and floors.
- Inadequate Windows and Security: Many units lack window panes or burglar-proofing, leaving occupants vulnerable to break-ins and environmental exposure.
- Poor Plumbing and Electrical Installations: The investigation revealed that several houses lack basic plumbing fixtures, and there is no electrical wiring in place, rendering the homes uninhabitable without significant additional costs to occupants.
- Absence of Social Amenities: Key infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply is entirely missing from the estate, putting further financial and logistical burdens on the residents.
Many residents reported having to spend large amounts on repairs and modifications just to make their homes livable. The need to independently handle repairs such as roof waterproofing, installing windows and security bars, and bringing in electricity and water has led to unexpected costs for the occupants, many of whom are lower-income civil servants. One resident expressed frustration, saying, “You must spend a huge amount of money on renovation before moving into these houses.”
The Spectacle’s findings raise serious questions about the contractors and officials involved in the Family Homes Estate project, with evidence suggesting the use of substandard materials and possible lapses in project oversight. Residents are calling on state authorities and anti-corruption agencies such as ICPC and EFCC to investigate the contractors and officials responsible for the project.
The resident interviewed for this article made an impassioned plea to government officials, stating, “I am appealing to you to call on all the relevant authorities to do the needful by addressing all the challenges the occupants of the houses are currently faced with.”
The deplorable conditions of the Family Homes Estate reflect larger concerns about transparency and accountability in government-funded housing projects. Affordable housing initiatives, when executed poorly, fail to deliver on their promise to improve the quality of life for citizens and instead impose financial and emotional strain on the very people they aim to serve. The situation in Zamfara state is now a clarion call for higher construction standards and stricter oversight in future projects.
The Family Homes Estate in conclusion, which meant to serve as affordable housing for Zamfara’s civil servants, has instead become a symbol of inadequate planning, poor-quality construction, and lack of accountability. The Spectacle’s investigation urges both the government and relevant agencies to address the estate’s numerous issues and ensure that future housing projects are delivered with the quality and oversight needed to truly benefit their intended residents.
