The Enugu State Government has announced plans to kickstart the sale of two housing estates in Awgu Local Government Area as part of its urbanization policy.
The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State and former Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike made this known over the weekend during his appearance as a guest on the Freedom Square radio programme on Solid 100.9 FM, Enugu.
He stated that the urbanization plans of the administration of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah aim to decongest the current Enugu urban area and establish new cities, which will benefit residents and promote the state’s economy.
According to him, the Governor has approved the establishment of Uphill Estate in Agbogugu, which will be situated on land owned by the state. He added that the designs for the estate are already in place.
“Yes, the state government’s urbanization policy is no joke. We have plans to establish two estates in Awgu. One of them is called Uphill Estate, adjoining Agbogugu. The Governor himself has called me to discuss it. There’s also another site in Agbogugu that the Governor has personally visited. We went there to conduct soil tests, and he directed us to assess the area, determine the type of buildings required, and commence construction. The land has been lying fallow, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s government property because the government has already compensated the community for it. The designs for that area are ready.”
Dr. Chukwunweike further assured that the Enugu State Ministry of Housing would begin public announcements about the estates within the next two months, as they await the Governor’s approval of a name for the second estate.
“Within the next two months, the Ministry of Housing will start announcing the commencement of the two estates. The first one is Uphill Estate. The second one is still being designed, and we’ve submitted proposed names to His Excellency for consideration and approval. We also have other estates already underway in Enugu, but these new ones are within the city.”
He also emphasized the state government’s commitment to providing low-cost housing for residents, with ongoing projects in Akpọganike, where 206 housing units consisting of two-bedroom flats are under construction. These units are intended to relocate people displaced from slum areas around the city.
“We’ve instructed all local government chairmen to identify suitable locations for similar projects. We are serious about providing low-cost housing for workers and low-income earners. That’s why we’re developing the Akpọganike project, which consists of 206 housing units of two-bedroom flats. These will be used to relocate people who have been removed from slums.”