Abia State Government, in line with its infrastructural development agenda has announced plans to embark on Urban Renewal and beautification initiatives aimed at transforming Umuahia, the State capital, into a Smart City.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Exco meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner listed a key component of the initiative to include the construction and expansion of the 1.385-kilometer Bank Road, which will see its width increased from 5.5 meters to 8 meters dual carriageway with improved drainage systems.
According to Prince Kanu, “By the time that project is done with, it would be a new look towards the Government House from either side of Okpara Avenue or from FMC.
“Part of this initiatives also includes the construction of bus shelters within Umuahia. Currently, civil works is ongoing at about 10 proposed shelters along Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard”.
He noted that Government in a bid to decongest the State Capital, is also relocating the Isigate market to a newly acquired site at Okwulaga Afara, where compensation has been paid to landowners and perimeter fencing is ongoing.
Prince Kanu emphasized that the move is part of efforts to develop a bus terminal and beautification projects in Umuahia.
“The State Government is on the course of relocating the Isigate market to Afara. The idea is to decongest the State Capital.
“At the Afara market site, the following issues have been taken care of; allocation of a suitable land for the market, it has been identified and completed.
“Acquisition of a land for the market has been completed and compensation duely paid to the land owners. The building of a perimeter fencing down the market is ongoing.
“Like I said earlier, the relocation is geared towards decongesting Isigate and making way for the new Bus Terminal and other transport and beautification project around the part of the capital city“, Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the State Government’s determination to implement the Smart City Project, emphasized standardized building projections across the State.
He noted that landlords are now permitted to project their buildings up to 1.5 meters, to align with the new urban planning guidelines aimed at enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal.
“Government has standardized the projections across the State. Going forward, landlords will be allowed to project their buildings.
“The specification is about 1.5 meters and the idea is to standadize such across the length and breath of the state particularly in Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia.
“Ofcourse you know that when they project gets on the way, it would make the State to wear a new look entirely”, Prince Kanu disclosed.
Mr Agomuoh
Contributing, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, announced that the planned relocation of illegal traders from Isigate to the newly acquired relief market site at Umunze-Okwulaga Afara will commence soon.
Mr Agomuoh noted that perimeter fencing is currently underway following the completion of compensation to landowners.
He disclosed that the bus terminal at the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway in Umuahia is set to undergo renovation to serve as a designated park for heavy-duty trucks.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, informed newsmen that all illegal motor parks at Isigate will soon be eliminated.
He also emphasized that the ban on one-way driving remains in effect, with no exemptions granted to any group of persons.
