KUANTAN: Groundbreaking works for more than a thousand affordable houses will begin in three weeks’ time in the first phase of the Priya Scheme Development at Mukim Penor here.

The project would comprise 979 units of terrace houses priced between RM125,000 and RM145,000, 130 units of semi-detached houses priced between RM160,000 and RM180,000 and 41 shoplots.

The mixed development project of commercial development and affordable housing scheme, expected to be completed in two years’ time, is a 50:50 joint-venture agreement between Yayasan Pahang and O&C Properties (Kuantan) Sdn Bhd (OCPK), a subsidiary of O&C Resources Berhad (OCR).

Yayasan Pahang (YP) general manager Datuk Mahmud Mohd Nawawi said the project was to provide proper housing for the public.

“We are not looking for profit but to give people a chance to own homes,” said Mahmud during the signing ceremony of the agreement.

The estimated RM166mil project is located within 40ha of land, which is part of the 329ha of land owned by YP.

OCR managing director Billy Ong said this collaboration was only the beginning and that they were looking to work together with YP in other developments in other areas.

“If response for the first phase is good, we will consider carrying on with the project and build more affordable houses.”

The project consists of 979 units of 20ft x 70ft terrace houses, 18 units of semi-detached houses measuring 40ft x 90ft, 112 units of semi-detached houses measuring 40ft x 80ft and 41 shoplots.

Located in Mukim Penor, it is about 20km away from Kuantan town centre.

Residents of Pahang or those who had lived in the state for more than five years can choose their units at a Priya sales office.