10 years after, developer resurrects Abuja Malaysian

Having scaled the legal hurdles that hampered the full take -off and completion of its 14,085 housing units, a real estate developer handling the Malaysian Garden Estate, Apo, in the Federal Capital Territory, Global Formwork Nigeria Limited has concluded arrangements to commence work in ambitious housing project.

The latest development came after 10 years the project took off.

And to assuage some of the subscribers into the project, the developer last week, appealed to them to keep faith with the company, assuring that all odds against the project have been overcome.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Special Assistant to the Chairman on Admin Matters, Victor Uzomba alleged that, since the flag off of the project, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had been reluctant to approve the engineering drawings to enable the project to commence, adding that, Global Formwork wrote more than 156 letters seeking for approvals for the building designs but to no avail.

He said, “ In 2004, we made submissions of our Engineering drawings but we were only given preliminary approvals in 2006. Preliminary approvals are never honoured by banks and other financial institutions as preliquisite for getting funding”.

Uzomba noted that Global Formwork and the FCT Minister as well as the Federal Capital Territory Administration were at the Court of Arbitration over Malaysian Gardens during which the arbitrators ruled in favour of the company.

He observed the developer after waiting for the expiration of 90days period within which either party is allowed to challenge the decision of the Tribunal, wrote to the FCTA to have the award of the tribunal implemented, adding that instead of respecting the decision of the Arbitrators, FCTA went to Federal High Court in Abuja and alleged misconduct on the part of the arbitration panelists.

According to him, the Federal High Court in the FCT presided over by Justice F. A. Ojo dismissed the allegations of the FCTA by delivering judgment in favour of Global Formwork Nig. Ltd and directed that every foundational paper germane to the successful completion of the project be released to the company by FCTA.

He pointed out that these foundational papers when released would enable the firm get funding and have the 14085 units if houses delivered to would be Nigerian home owners.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Chairman on Site Matters, Charles Enekwechi explained that the philosophy behind the project was in line with the present administration’s transformation agenda as all cadres of the populace were captured in the housing scheme ranging from 65 percent low income, 25 percent middle income and 10percent high income bracket.

He observed that over 1800 units are at various stages of completion adding that immediately after the decision of the Court, a New York based American Real Estate firm signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Global Formwork thus setting stage for eventual kick starting of the project.

He said that the earth moving machines valued at $1.8million meant for the project are still lying in the site in good condition stressing that what is left is for the court’s decision to be implemented to enable activities commence immediately at the project site.

Enekwechi stated that the expatriate quota of their Malaysian partners is still valid and that arrangements are on top gear for them to return to Nigeria and join hands together with the new American partners to see to the delivery of the project to millions of Nigerians who are without shelter.