The Enugu State Government has approved the construction of 19,000 housing units as part of efforts to tackle the state’s housing deficit, expand access to affordable homes and support the ongoing development of the New Enugu City.
The approvals were granted during the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday, alongside major road, infrastructure and tourism projects.
Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ben Okoh, said the housing projects would complement the ongoing development of the New Enugu City.
He explained that following the completion of the 6.5-kilometre dual carriageway for the first phase of the New Enugu City project and the ongoing construction of internal roads, the council approved the construction of 1,000 fully detached terrace housing units. The housing development will consist of four-bedroom and five-bedroom homes, he added.
Okoh also added that, beyond the 1,000 units planned for the New Enugu City, the state government also approved the development of 18,000 mass housing units at the Gateway Estate in Enugu to further reduce the housing shortage and lower the cost of housing.
He said the mass housing scheme would include key infrastructure such as roads, water supply and electricity to create a fully serviced residential estate.
The commissioner also announced the immediate commencement of the 10.5-kilometre Igogoro–Amachara–Ikpamodo–Okpo-Amaada Road project.
He said the Executive Council approved intervention works at flash flood-prone sections of major roads in Nsukka, including the construction of five adjoining streets, comprehensive repairs of damaged drainage systems and the evacuation of blocked drains to tackle persistent flooding. According to Okoh, the project has already been awarded to a reputable contractor for immediate execution.
The council also approved the procurement of more than 30 pieces of light equipment for the Ministry of Works to strengthen direct labour operations, emergency interventions and routine maintenance projects across the state. He noted that the equipment would significantly reduce the cost of maintenance and emergency response works.
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In addition, the Executive Council approved the completion and upgrade of Wings C and D of the Enugu State Secretariat Complex in GRA, Enugu, as well as the rehabilitation of Wings A and B, which are currently in use.
Okoh recalled that while Wings A and B were completed and inaugurated in May 2015, Wings C and D had remained unfinished and had deteriorated over the years.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, announced the approval of three major tourism projects designed to boost the state’s tourism potential and attract investment.
The projects include the Ovu Lake Golf Resort at Akpawfu in Nkanu East Local Government Area, the Akwuke and Attakwu Tourism Development Projects in Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas, respectively, and the Okpatu–Awhum Cable Car Project.
Madueke said the Ovu Lake Golf Resort would feature an 18-hole championship golf course, a luxury hotel with more than 100 rooms, a 600-seat conference centre, boat regatta, landscaped gardens, clubhouses, children’s playgrounds and other recreational facilities.
She explained that the Attakwu Tourism Project would transform the area’s virgin forest and natural lake into a major ecotourism destination featuring an animal sanctuary and other nature-based attractions. It will include a modern sand beach, theme park, water park, scenic boardwalk and a family recreation park.
Madueke added that the approved Okpatu–Awhum Cable Car Project would span approximately 5.32 kilometres, linking the Cross of Hope on Okpatu Hill with the Awhum Waterfall.
She said the cable car system would have three stations at the Cross of Hope, Awhum Monastery and Awhum Waterfall, where visitors would also have access to facilities including a rotunda, an experience centre and a food court.
NAN
