Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday commenced its urban renewal programme.
The programme according to the Council Chairman, Barr. Etetim Onuk was an urban development initiative to check rural-urban migration, data capturing, security, as well as creating opportunities for better housing and businesses in the area.
Brr. Onuk hinted that the programme was a Public Private Partnership initiative with Ndon Manufacturing Industries as the project consultant.
Explaining the aspects of the programme, the council boss said, “the initiative involves data capturing, systematization and reorganisation of Street names and house numbers, street naming and enumeration of all houses, shops, kiosks, market stalls, timber market and motor park facilities.
“Also sophisticated street signage and stainless steel aluminium house/shop number plates would be distributed.
“In addition, the project will undertake the opening, naming and renaming of Streets, roads, lane, way, Avenue, boulevard, drive and highway in honor of respected and illustrious sons and daughters of Itu as well as produce a master plan for the development of our Local Government Area.”
However, the consultant of the project Mr. Emmanuel Ndon in an interview with journalists in Uyo said the project started since October 2020 with the engagement of communities and relevant stakeholders.
According to him, “the urban renewal programme model designed by my company for Itu Local government is a novelty. It is a bottom up grassroot-driven community based development model that checks rural-urban migration and encourages rapid economic development of the area.”
