Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has given a one-month ultimatum to landlords in Umuahia, the state capital, whose buildings require a facelift or routine maintenance to renovate them or face sanctions.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, issued the warning while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti. He said the government would no longer tolerate dilapidated structures that deface the capital city.
According to him, the government has observed with dismay that many landlords have neglected routine maintenance and facelift works on their buildings for years.
“These buildings currently deface the city, thereby setting back the efforts of the state government to beautify Umuahia and give it the look and feel of a capital city,” he said.
“Consequently, the state government, through the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), is advising all landlords whose buildings need a facelift or routine maintenance to do so within the next four weeks from the date of this announcement.
“Landlords who disobey this directive will face the consequences,” the commissioner warned.
Prince Kanu said that in line with the Umuahia Renewal and Beautification Programme aimed at making the city a befitting state capital, several measures had already been initiated.
“First among these steps are tree planting along major streets, preparation and repainting of kerbs, installation of perimeter fences, and installation of road signs, among others,” he said.
He noted that residents had been given ample time to remove shanties and illegal projections attached to buildings within the city.
“The state government, through the UCDA, is now poised to enforce this directive. Landlords with shanties or projections in front of their houses are advised to comply or be ready to face the wrath of the law,” Prince Kanu stated.
The commissioner also disclosed that illegal parking of commercial buses on city roads had been prohibited.
“The state government has observed with dismay the illegal parking of commercial buses on city roads. All commercial bus operators involved in this unwholesome act are advised to desist, as offenders will have their vehicles impounded,” he said.
Prince Kanu recalled that the Ministry of Transport had earlier installed temporary charging stations for electric buses ahead of the commencement of free bus services for Abians. He added that with the arrival of more charging facilities, the number of charging stations across the state would increase.
He further revealed that a two MVA, 33/0.415kV distribution substation had been installed at the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal.
“With these developments, all necessary supporting infrastructure is being put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free commencement of full bus services.
“The substation has reached about 80 per cent completion, and from all indications, it will be handed over to the state government at the end of the month,” he said.
Contributing, the General Manager of the UCDA, Mr Kingsley Agomuo, said street parking by commercial vehicles was causing traffic congestion in the city.
“We have advised them since last year to move all buses into designated parks. From there, they can proceed to their various loading points.
“If they comply, it will ease traffic and ensure smooth movement within the urban centre,” Agomuo said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, were present at the briefing.
