The Abia State Government has revealed its intentions to formulate a new Master Plan, that would guide the development of Aba, the commercial nerve center, into a Mega City for the next 30 years.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner who highlighted the importance of the Master Plan towards the expansion project of Aba, said it aims to transform Aba into a thriving business hub in the East of the Niger.
He said that details of the Master Plan which is already in place would soon be made public.
“The development plan that has seen the city through to it’s present position was developed many years ago but government wants to develop a new master plan that would guide the development of Aba as a Mega City for the next thirty years.
“Aba is going to metamorphose into a Mega City and a real business hub East of the Niger so for you to progress with such a plan, you have to have a master plan.
“That Master Plan is in place and very soon the details would be made public”, the Information boss disclosed.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that the Executive Council also approved a Special Committee, to oversee the creation of a New Commercial Core for Aba, which he said would facilitate the development of new markets and the rebuilding of Ngwa Road Market.
According to the Commissioner, plans are underway to modernize the Enyimba International Stadium, as well as address the traffic congestion caused by surrounding markets adding that the committee has been tasked with decongesting the Ngwa Road Market axis leading to the stadium.
He said that the State Government has commenced the second phase of demolitions around Ossah Road noting that already those affected as in the first phase have been appropriately compensated.
“Any set of people who are yet to recieve their payment could be that they are yet to present their account details to the appropriate officials”, Prince Kanu said.
Contributing, the Director General, Greater Aba Development Authority, (GADA) Mr Uche Ukeje who highlighted the need for revitalizing the Enyimba Stadium said the current location of the stadium, situated amidst the Ngwa Road market and the School of Hygiene, poses challenges, with rampant street trading that obstruct access and parking.
Ukeje, emphasized that the Special Committee to oversee the creation of a New Commercial Core for Aba is tasked with exploring the feasibility of relocating the stadium and creating a centralized commercial core for the city adding that the absence of a cohesive commercial center in Aba has led to dispersed markets without a unified approach to city planning and growth.
Responding to claims that some individuals allocated lands by ABCEDA in the previous administration were being denied access, the GM of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr Kingsley Agomuo, clarified that the affected individuals lacked proper land documents and advised advised anyone who desire to get allocation from the state to visit the Ministry of Lands for proper guidance.
He revealed that about 39 buildings were affected in the second phase of the ongoing demolition exercise adding that building affected were those not captured in the 1st phase of the exercise.
Addressing environmental concerns, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, reported ongoing investigations into a contaminated stream in Ikwuano LGA and urged the community to avoid the river until investigation into the matter is concluded, assuring that the affected individuals will be supported by the state government.
