Umuahia Renewal Drive : Abia Gives Landlords 4-Week Ultimatum To Fix Buildings

Landlords in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, whose buildings require a facelift or routine maintenance have been given a four-week ultimatum to carry out necessary repairs or face sanctions.

The directive was announced by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during the weekly State Executive Council press briefing at Government House, Umuahia.
Prince Kanu said the affected buildings have continued to deface the state capital and undermine the government’s ongoing efforts to beautify Umuahia and give it the outlook of a befitting capital city.

“The State Government has observed with dismay that many landlords have not carried out routine maintenance or given their buildings a facelift for years. These buildings now deface the city and set back our efforts to beautify Umuahia,” he stated.

He explained that, consequently, the state government, through the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), is advising all landlords whose buildings need maintenance or a facelift to comply within four weeks from the date of the announcement.
“Landlords who fail to comply with this directive will face the consequences,” the Commissioner warned.

Prince Kanu further noted that the directive is part of the Umuahia Renewal and Beautification Programme aimed at transforming the capital city.

He outlined ongoing measures under the programme to include tree planting along major streets, preparation and repainting of kerbs, installation of perimeter fences, and erection of road signs.
He added that residents had been given ample time to remove shanties and illegal projections attached to buildings across the city, stressing that the government is now set to enforce compliance.

“As a compassionate government, we gave residents more than enough time. The state government, through the UCDA, is now poised to enforce this directive. Landlords with shanties or illegal projections in front of their houses must comply or be ready to face the wrath of the law,” he said.

The Commissioner also announced a ban on illegal parking of commercial buses on city roads, describing the practice as unwholesome and disruptive.
“All commercial bus operators involved in illegal parking on the streets of Umuahia are advised to desist immediately, as defaulters will have their vehicles impounded,” Prince Kanu warned.
On public transportation, he disclosed that with the arrival of more electric bus charging stations, the number of charging points across the state will be significantly increased. He recalled that temporary charging stations were earlier installed to support the initial phase of free bus services for Abians.

Prince Kanu further revealed that a two MVA, 33/0.415 kV distribution substation is being installed at the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and has reached about 80 percent completion.
“With these developments, all the necessary supporting infrastructure is being put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free commencement of full bus services. From all indications, the project will be handed over to the State Government by the end of the month,” he said.

In his remarks, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, said illegal street parking by commercial buses has continued to create traffic congestion within the city.
“We have repeatedly advised operators to move their buses into the parks and only come out to their designated loading points. This will ease traffic and ensure free movement within the urban centre,” he stated.

The press briefing was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.