Abia Government Revokes Trademore Estate Building Permit Over Planning Violations

The Abia State Government has revoked the building permit issued for Trademore Estate in Ubani, Umuahia, following alleged breaches of approved planning and development regulations.

The decision was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the government’s action followed an inspection conducted by officials of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) after residents of the estate raised concerns over flooding and defective structures.

The inspection, he explained, uncovered several issues surrounding the location, approval and development of the estate.

Kanu said the estate was constructed on a swampy portion of land designated for agricultural purposes. He further disclosed that the developer’s approved building application covered only two structures—a semi-detached two-bedroom bungalow and a three-bedroom bungalow—rather than the larger estate that was eventually developed.

The commissioner said the application also lacked several important planning and environmental documents, including a survey plan, site plan, site analysis report, layout plan and environmental impact analysis report.

He added that there was no adequate evidence of payment of required administrative fees or the involvement and technical input of relevant professional bodies and government agencies in the development process.

Kanu explained that the UCDA inspection was initiated after complaints from residents regarding flooding and structural problems within the estate.

He said the findings raised serious concerns about how the development was undertaken and indicated the need for government intervention to address the resulting environmental and planning challenges.

The commissioner noted that further steps would be announced by the state government as it works to address the issues associated with the development.

Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti has directed the creation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee involving the UCDA and the Ministries of Works, Environment, and Lands.

The committee has been given two weeks to submit recommendations on a sustainable solution to recurring flooding in the Ogurube and Ehimiri layouts in Umuahia.

The state government also provided an update on ongoing erosion and flood-control measures in Atta Emede Ibeku. According to the commissioner, clearing of erosion sites has reached 100 per cent completion, while lateral filling stands at 90 per cent. Drainage excavation is reportedly 95 per cent complete, with drainage concreting at 90 per cent.

Kanu further said attention was being given to the World Bank Housing Estates in Aba and Umuahia, as well as IBB Layout, where needs assessments and initial interventions are being undertaken to improve infrastructure and living conditions.

The UCDA General Manager, Kingsley Agomoh, also explained that the revocation was based on the developer’s alleged failure to comply with approved land-use conditions.

Agomoh, however, assured legitimate property owners in the affected area that they should not be worried by the government’s decision.

He said the action was intended to correct planning irregularities, ensure compliance with development regulations and promote safer and properly planned communities across the state.

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The development underscores the Abia State Government’s stated efforts to strengthen urban planning, regulate property development and address flooding and other environmental challenges affecting residents in Umuahia and other parts of the state.