by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government has acquired 38.299 hectares of land in Zanwra, Miango District, at the cost of ₦346,542,000, which has already been fully paid for. The gesture is to address the challenges of Housing for Civil Servants in the state.
The State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, disclosed this Thursday during the flag-off of Workers Housing Estate for Civil Servants in the state, while stating that, “This project – we are not just building houses, we are creating homes, communities, and enduring legacies.”
The governor was speaking in Zanwra Nkie Whie, in Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area, where the project is situated, when he said that, 38.299 hectares of land acquired is being expected to accommodate over 400 units of housing for the Civil Servants in the state.
Speaking during the foundation-laying stones, Governor Mutfwang said, “We are laying the foundation of hope, dignity, and stability for our hardworking and dedicated workforce.
“This project is a clear testament to our administration’s unwavering resolve to prioritize the welfare of civil servants, the true engine-room of governance.
“When we came into office, we made a solemn promise to rebuild trust, restore dignity, and reposition the Civil Service as a model of excellence. By the grace of God and, with your steadfast support, we have made significant progress. Permit me to highlight a few key milestones we have collectively achieved, since May 2023.”
According to Mutfwang, “Government has cleared months of accumulated salary arrears and restored regular, timely salary payments, and have settled decades-old pension and gratuity backlogs; some dating as far back as 1986, and began paying death benefits to families, who had long given up hope.
“This strengthens oversight, discipline, and professionalism. We introduced digitized Personnel Records and E-governance platforms to ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
“We renovated offices, provided essential tools, and organized capacity-building programs to boost productivity and morale.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony represents yet another giant stride in our journey to reposition the Plateau workforce. A worker with a roof over their head is a worker empowered to give their very best,” he stated.
Mutfwang stressed that, “Housing is not a privilege; it is a right. A decent home provides comfort, security, and a stable foundation for a dignified life. For too long, many of our civil servants have struggled with inadequate housing, spending most of their earnings on rent and leaving little for other family needs.
The governor pointed out that, “This is only the beginning. It is our firm commitment to replicate similar housing developments in other parts of Plateau State so that civil servants across the state can benefit from this vision of shared prosperity.”
He added that, their dream is for every Plateau worker to live with dignity and for future generations to point to these estates as part of the lasting legacy of his administration.
The governor, while commending the workers’ resilience, dedication, and patriotism, stated that, “You have stood by the government through challenging times, and today’s initiative is a reflection of your sacrifice and commitment.
However, with every privilege comes responsibility,” and pointed out that, “The ongoing reforms in the Civil Service are designed to build a workforce that is professional, efficient, and responsive.”
He urged all civil servants to shun absenteeism, embrace innovation, and uphold the highest standards of integrity, saying, “The Plateau we envision cannot be built without a committed and disciplined Civil Service.
“Together, let us rebuild trust between the government and the people we serve. This Housing Estate is not an isolated intervention but part of a deliberate, long-term plan to reposition Plateau State for sustainable development.
“A motivated and comfortable workforce is the bedrock of good governance, and today’s flag-off underscores that belief,” he stated.
While extending his heartfelt gratitude to the Ministries, Labour Unions, developers, and community leaders whose dedication has brought this vision to life, the governor thanked especially the people of Zanwra Nkie Whie, Miango District, and Bassa Local Government Area for graciously welcoming this project into their land, adding that, “Together, let us build not just houses, but a stronger, united, and prosperous Plateau State.”
Speaking earlier, Chairman of NLC in the state, Comrade Eugene Manji, appreciated the governor for the project, saying, “The process of getting the land started since 2010, and has lasted for 10 years before it was successful now.”