By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to modernize markets across Umuahia, with the Ogwumabiri Market along the Abia Tower Expressway in Isingwu-Mud Autonomous Community selected as one of the first projects under the initiative.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the resolutions reached at the latest State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
According to the commissioner, the government is taking a holistic approach to improving markets within the Umuahia metropolis. The initiative will involve upgrading existing facilities and, where necessary, relocating markets to more suitable locations to enhance safety, accessibility, sanitation, and overall commercial activities.
Soil and Geotechnical Tests Now Compulsory for Building Permits
As part of broader urban development reforms, the Abia State Government has introduced mandatory soil and geotechnical testing for all new building projects seeking development approval within the state capital.
Prince Kanu explained that developers must now submit valid soil and geotechnical test certificates before obtaining building permits. He said the policy is aimed at ensuring that structures are designed according to the carrying capacity of the soil, thereby reducing the risk of structural failures and protecting lives and property.
The government noted that the measure forms part of efforts to strengthen building safety standards and prevent future cases of building collapse across the state.
Drainage Desilting Continues Across Umuahia
The Commissioner also disclosed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has intensified the desilting of drainage channels to reduce flooding during the rainy season.
Areas currently benefiting from the exercise include the Shoprite–Uwalaka axis, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church along Ndume Ibeku Road, Finbarrs Road, Adelabu Road, and several other locations within the capital city.
Relief for Emede Ibeku Erosion Victims
Prince Kanu further announced that Governor Alex Otti has approved erosion control works for Emede Ibeku Community, where residents have battled severe erosion for years.
He added that the tendering process for the proposed Pocket Estate Layout in Umuahia has been completed, with the list of successful contractors expected to be released soon.
Road Projects Progress Despite Heavy Rainfall
Providing updates on infrastructure development, the commissioner said the Ministry of Works is currently executing direct labour road maintenance at 46 locations across Abia State.
He revealed that maintenance works have been completed on the failed section of the Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwo Mbala Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area, the second phase of the Akara Junction–Ovim Bridge Road in Isuikwuato LGA, and the rehabilitation of Mazi Okoro Avenue in Obinkita, Arochukwu LGA.
He also stated that rainy-season maintenance has commenced on the Opopo Junction–Azumini–Obehe federal road, which connects to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, as well as the access roads leading to the Obingwa General Hospital and the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.
Although 26 major road projects are currently under contract, Prince Kanu explained that persistent heavy rainfall has slowed construction activities in some project locations.
He added that work is progressing steadily at the Green City Site and Services Estate in Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government Area, where perimeter fencing and internal road construction have already been completed.
Government Tightens Measures Against Building Collapse
Responding to questions on recent building collapse incidents in Umuahia, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Kingsley Agomuo, said the investigative panel established by the government would soon submit its report, which will be made public after due process.
He disclosed that the affected building has been sealed while authorities await the panel’s recommendations. Agomuo also revealed that the state has established a structural integrity testing facility to strengthen compliance with construction standards and reduce future building failures.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, warned that the government would strictly enforce building regulations going forward.
He urged developers, property owners, and residents to comply fully with approved construction guidelines, stressing that the government would take stronger enforcement actions against anyone who ignores established building standards.
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The media briefing was attended by the State Director of Information, Lady Chika Orji-Nwoke.
