PROPERTY NEWS

The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, has urged the federal and state governments to increase their investments in the real estate sector to increase access to accommodation by Nigerians.

He added that it was sad that some people had no access to decent accommodation regardless of the abundant resources of the economy.

In a statement on Saturday, Makinde also said it was necessary to ensure proper planning of towns and cities in the country, adding that there was the need for the downward review of the cost of building materials. He said the physically challenged should be considered while erecting structures.

The Prelate also charged the government and relevant professional bodies to ensure that the incidences of buildings collapse were urgently addressed to prevent further loss of human and material resources.

He added that the church as a stakeholder in the real sector was interested in measures to reduce cost of building materials, make decent housing affordable and accessible as well as reduce collapse of buildings.

Makinde said, "The culture of abuse and homelessness is further promoted and encouraged by the fact that housing being provided by government are not affordable, negating the principles, policies and programmes of the United Nations.

"Structural engineers, architect and other relevant persons involved in the design of structures, especially public structures like places of worship, banks and events centres should always remember those who are disabled and physically challenged in our society."