Worried by the dearth of affordable housing in Abia State, the Government last week, said it has embarked on the construction of over 8500 housing units. When completed, the houses would help to ameliorate the housing problems facing civil servants in the state.
The Government said it is also partnering with the United Nations Habitat to produce digital mapping, structural and master plans for Umuahia, the political capital and Aba, the commercial capital.
Governor Theodore Orji’s Special Adviser on Housing, Mr. Nwabueze Onwuneme, an engineer, said the master plans would project physical and structural developments in the state for the next 20 years.
Onwuneme who was optimistic that sustainable master plans would be produced for the two cities soon, said the survey of the project has already started.
Giving details of the housing programme, Onwuneme said that the government has commenced the construction of 2000 units of three- bedroom bungalows in Amauba Housing Estate. Infrastructural facilities are also being put in place in the estate.
He stated that work has reached advanced stage at the Isieke Housing Estate where the government is constructing another1500 units of three bedroom flats and 500 units of four- bedroom duplexes.
“The stalled Osisioma Unity Garden project is now been cleared and work will soon commence fully on the site. Also, architectural plans are being given finishing touches for the commencement of 3000 units of three and two- bedroom units in IBB phase 1 and 2 as well as 1500 units of three and four- bedroom bungalows in Amakamma and Ohiya Housing estate, respectively”, Onwuneme said.
Governor Theodore Orji, he said, has huge plans to provide houses for the people, especially the workers. Governor knows the importance of shelter in the life of the citizenry and has serious programmes to ensure that adequate and affordable houses are provided for the people.
The governor’s aide explained that when they are through with master plan of the two towns, more areas would be mapped out for other housing estates.