The Abia State Government says it is intent on addressing Housing shortages and Urban congestion with four major Housing Projects set to commence soon as part of its Smart City initiative.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this, Monday, while briefing Newsmen in Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s Exco Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner listed the affected development areas where the Four Major Housing Projects are set to commence soon to include, Valley View Estate, Mbaisii, Mgbarakuma Umuahia South and Obehe in Ukwa West LGA.
He further revealed that the State Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Housing, is embarking on a landmark Housing Project called, “The”New Umuahia” under the New Heritage Project.
Prince Kanu stated that the project located between Umuahia Tower and Ntigha, would cover about 2,000 hectares and will affect 19 communities.
“As soon as all the paper works are done with, you will be invited to witness the actual takeoff of the project.
“The State Government is intent on addressing the housing issues in and around the state capital and this is in line too with the plans to make Umuahia a Smart City.
“There are about four housing projects that would take off soon. Currently discussions are ongoing with developers.
“It is a project that is very dear to the heart of the Governor and sooner than later, the project would be birthed“, Prince Kanu said.
The Commissioner pointed out that the State Government is currently executing 28 road projects across the state as part of its ongoing infrastructure development agenda, noting that contractors are on site and working diligently to meet set deadlines.
“There are about 44 direct labour sites where work was ongoing until recently but we now have 35 with a few completed projects and these will include, Okigwe road in Umuahia, Obowu road in Umuahia. In Aba, we have Tenant road, from Asa road to Eziukwu road, School road from Asa to Eziukwu.
“Where we have the zero pothole initiative of the State Government, the following roads have been patched up; potholes along Aba Owerri road, Ezeogu Street around Osisioma have been taken care of, potholes around George’s Street Aba, from Ikot ekpene to Azikiwe have been taken care of and then potholes along Eziukwu road and Osusu roads.
“Like I said, direct labour works are ongoing at 35 sites with the completion of these other roads”, Prince Kanu stated.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije who emphasized the Government’s commitment i to promoting accessible housing solutions,
disclosed that the Housing project would commence by the second quarter of the year.
Chukwumerije said that while the Government would act as a catalyst, the housing initiatives would be driven primarily by the Private Sector through collaborations with credible developers.
Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, Hon. Commissioner for Lands & Housing
He announced that 2025 would witness significant strides toward developing the New Umuahia area, adding that the initiative is designed to facilitate land allocation under the Land Use Act, to ensure that every indigene of Abia State is entitled to at least one allocation.
“The Government is going to be doing a lot in Housing this year. We are starting out with the first batch of four projects two around Umuahia one around Aba and one around Ukwa West.
“This is the year we take steps in opening up the New Umuahia around the axis it is happening that is where we have the opportunity to follow through on land allocation backed by the Land Use Act that every Abia is entitled to at least one allocation.
“So there is a lot going to happen on the Housing front”, the Commissioner disclosed
