—To commemorate 35th state creation with project commissioning

The Abia State Government has resolved to do the needful that would sanitise the World Bank Housing Estates in Abayi Umuocham, Aba and Amaoba Housing Estate in Umuahia as directed by Governor Alex Otti.

State Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu announced this to journalists after the weekly Monday State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting stating that the outcome of the sanitization exercise would turn the estates’ fortunes more desirably including esthetically.

Commissioner Kanu said “EXCO has mandated the Ministry of Housing to embark on a number of remedial works to turn the fortunes of the largely deteriorating estates around, including the facilities therein like roads, and give them a facelift,”.

The Commissioner who added that the same Ministry of Housing was further directed to collaborate with the Ministry of Works to undertake what he called ‘rainy season maintenance works’ at Amaoba Housing Estate, Umuahia, to improve accessibility ahead of its planned due formal permanent reconstruction, to which government has also approved provision of a new Electric Transformer to address the residents power challenges.

On the coming 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia state on 27th August, 1991, the Commissioner hinted that the commemoration will feature commissioning of completed projects and flagging of new ones, rather than mere fanfaring.

Kanu, who said this mode of marking the 35th anniversary is a departure from the traditional format of celebrating it by the past state administrations.

“Unlike what it used to be in the past, where such events were characterised by ceremonies and awards, the present administration would focus on tangible projects that will directly impact the people.

“The government will use the occasion of the celebration to commission a number of projects while flagging off new ones.

“The government will not embark on any such grand act. We will use the opportunity to continue to commission projects, flag-off new ones, and generally improve the living standards of Abia citizenry,” Prince Kanu stated.

Commenting on Governor Otti’s directive to his Ministry of Housing to intervene in the Abayi Umuocham World Bank Estate, the Commissioner Architect Chiemela Uzoije, reported that the scenario on ground during an inspection showed several forms of misuse and neglect, including street trading and farming along the roads in the estate.

He consequently justified the government directive that appropriate remedials ought to be effected in line with government determination to restore order and upgrade the estate through improved infrastructure and better environmental management.

“His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti has directed that we ensure sanity in the Estates, and that is exactly what we are going to do.

“We are going to beef up the estate and make it come up to the level of the new Abia,” Architect Uzoije stated, explaining that the rehabilitation would include improvements on the roads and the provision of street lighting, while activities such as street trading and farming on the roads within the estate would no longer be tolerated.

On the proposed pocket housing layout in Umuahia, the Commissioner said the development would comprise detached five-bedroom houses with boys’ quarters, semi-detached units, and two and three-bedroom blocks of flats, providing a variety of housing options for prospective subscribers.

Architect Uzoije further disclosed that his led Housing Ministry will soon commence the process of registering intending subscribers through an Expression of Interest Form, to be followed by the opening of a dedicated portal for payments.

According to him, the housing scheme will operate on a transparent, first come, first served basis and under an off-plan payment arrangement, with 30 percent payable at the commencement of construction, 40 per cent at about the midpoint of construction and the remaining 30 percent upon completion.

“The whole process, he vowed , will be so free and transparent without interference whatsoever, such that interested persons will see the process, while the whole exercise will be very smooth,”.

According to Commissioner Uzoije, Contractors were expected to mobilise to site within the next week, stating that delivery is targeted within the next few months after flag off.

The Pocket Housing initiative is, according to the Housing Commissioner, part of Governor Alex Otti’s broader vision of providing quality and accessible housing for residents, urging Abians to begin taking possession of the new houses by the end of 2026 or early 2027.