Enugu creates new town, plans N3.5b Heliu residences

An ambitious effort to shore up the internally generated revenue base of Enugu state has begun in earnest, with the launch of a new town development along the Enugu-PortHarcourt Expressway that will yield over N1trillion to the coffers of the government.

The new layout, christened, Heliu residences (an acronym drawn from the name of the state governor, His Excellency Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Heliu) is the first district being created by the state government since the creation of Enugu state, 25 years ago.

The new urban community, covering over 132 hectares of land, is divided into two with one section for the construction of 500 houses of a single family or twin family duplexes/bungalows to be solely financed by a Consortium led by FIT Consult and 500 plots of land for sale to individuals for development.

Speaking while unveiling the new district, located on Enugu south local government council, the Chief Executive Officer, FIT Consult
Limited, Chief Loretta Aniagolu, explained that the company in partnership with a Chinese firm, Yuanda Investment Company would
invest about N3.5billion in infrastructure in the area.

She stated that facilities at the new district would include 24 hours security, paved roads, street lights, recreation club, shopping mall, 24 hours water supply, covered drainage, parks and hotels, adding that, the water supply will not be hooked into the state’s present water scheme.

According to her, a plot of 750 metres is presently being sold at N9.5 million, adding that allocation would be made within ten working days of down payment and 14 working days of payment of statutory fees for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

She explained that the payment for plots must be completed within 90 days while home construction must commence by March 2017. All houses comes with category of roof colour designated by the promoters.

Aniagolu stated that the layout was the first being created by the state government after the late Michael Okpara carved out the
Independence layout, Ogui, new layout, coal camp and GRA and Chief Jim Nwobodo of Trans-ekulu, Awkunanaw and others.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Solomon Onah, explained that government decided to venture into the project so as to raise funds to finance education, health, housing, infrastructure and social services.

He explained that the state government was desirous to make Enugu the “homes for all”, adding that smaller housing units for low-income earners was on going in the state and would soon be ready for occupation.