DEVELOPMENT
Abia State Govt Issues Four-Week Ultimatum to Umuahia Landlords as Renewal Drive Intensifies, Warns of Sanctions for Defiant Property Owners
Landlords in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, whose buildings require a facelift or routine maintenance have been directed to carry out the necessary works within four weeks or face sanctions from the state government.
The directive was issued by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the weekly State Executive Council press briefing presided over by Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
Prince Kanu explained that the government had become increasingly concerned about the deteriorating state of many buildings within the capital city, noting that neglected structures were undermining ongoing efforts to transform Umuahia into a modern and aesthetically pleasing state capital.
According to him, the poor condition of several buildings across the city has continued to detract from the visual appeal of Umuahia and runs contrary to the state government’s vision of urban renewal and beautification.
“The State Government has observed with dismay that many landlords have not carried out routine maintenance or face lifts to their buildings for years.
“These buildings currently deface the city, thereby setting back efforts of the state government to beautify Umuahia and give it the look and feel of a capital city.
“Consequently, the state government, through the 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 are disobeying this directive will face the consequences,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the ultimatum forms part of broader measures under the Umuahia Renewal and Beautification Programme, an initiative of the Abia State Government aimed at repositioning the capital city to meet acceptable urban standards.
He said that several activities have already been rolled out to ensure the renewal programme proceeds without delay, stressing that the government remains committed to delivering a befitting capital city for residents and visitors alike.
“First among these steps is planting trees by some major streets in the state capital, preparing and repainting the kerbs, installation of perimeter fences, and installation of road signs, among others.
“As a compassionate government, residents of Umuahia have been given more than enough time to remove the shanties and illegal projections in buildings around 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 have been advised to comply with this directive or be ready to face the wrath of the law,” he stated.
Prince Kanu emphasized that enforcement would be carried out by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), adding that the government would no longer tolerate actions or neglect that undermine its urban renewal agenda.
The Abia State Government reiterated its resolve to ensure that Umuahia reflects the status of a state capital through improved infrastructure, environmental orderliness, and strict adherence to urban d
evelopment regulations.