In order to further explore prospects to bridge the national housing deficit, the Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko has made moves to partner with a notable building material distributor in the country that would enable civil servants have access to subsidized cements and other building materials.
The initiative according to the Head of Service was to encourage civil servants in the state to build their own houses before retirement.
Mr. Bayoko who led top management team from his Office on Wednesday to Lafenax Nigeria Limited, headquarters Office, Asaba disclosed that the latest initiative was a proposed partnership with the private company to boost the civil service housing loan scheme.
The HOS who was conducted round the company’s facilities including warehouses and offices by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lawrence Onyemelukwu, commended the management and staff of the distribution firm for adding value to society through their business endeavours.
‘’Although this is a familiarization visit, it has provided an insight that there are ways in which we can partner to improve the welfare of our workers. We have a scheme geared towards enabling the average worker to build their own houses and obviously, your role in the industry will be important to us to meet that aspiration.
‘’This is something that we will work out in due course, so that we can partner with your company to make the acquisition of cement, rods and other building materials easier for our staff.” The HOS said.
Speaking on the commitment of the state government to meet the housing needs of the people particularly civil servants, Mr. Bayoko stated that his office have been talking to a number of private property developers who had indicated interest to build affordable houses for workers in the state.
While expressing his preparedness to synergize with the building material company in order for civil servants to benefit from their diverse services, Mr. Bayoko urged management of the business enterprise to keep their doors open.
Addressing newsmen after the visit, the Head of Service said: ‘’we want to ensure that before our workers retire, they own their houses. We have a housing scheme geared towards that direction. If we can partner with people who can supply the building materials required at reasonable charges, it is something that we can encourage’’
‘’Since the company’s presence is spread across the country, it means that no matter where the civil servant wants to build, this partnership will ensure that the required materials are made available at less-stressful rates’’.
The Number One civil servant in the state also inspired staff members of the company to uphold the virtues of loyalty and diligence to duty, just as he encouraged the company’s management to organize periodic seminars to boost the competence of its workforce.
Meanwhile the Managing Director of Lafenax Group, Mr. Lawrence Onyemelukwe who said he was delighted on the visit of the HOS, expressed optimism that the visit was the beginning of a mutual relationship with the state government.
He pledged to leverage on his reputable track records in the industry for the welfare of civil servants in the state.
By Aruoriwo Ivovi
