The Abia State Government says it is intent on addressing housing shortages and rban congestion with four major Housing Projects set to commence soon as part of its Smart City initiative.The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu stated this 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, Mgbarakuma, Mbawsii, Umuahia South and Obehe in Ukwa West Local Government Area.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’.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.Contributing, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije who emphasized the Government’s commitment 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. He announced that this year 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.
