[AUTHORITY ] AWKA – The Government of Anambra State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the building of 300 housing units valued at N8.4 billion ($30.04m) with Aldove Limited.
The project, which first phase is expected to be completed in 18 months consists of four and five-bedroom duplexes and 100 units of three-bedroom flats on two and three floors.
Speaking at a brief signing ceremony in Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano explained that Housing was an important component of his economic blueprint which comes under the broad heading of the Enablers.
According to him, Housing has attracted massive investments into the state close to the $1 billion threshold in the past two years and would continue to play a major role in the state’s quest for accelerated development as his administration had great plans for the sector.
“We reserved some choice locations in Awka for high rise buildings – 15, 20 and 25 stories and more. They will be facing the Golf Course. We ensured that in our plans we leave out a good area for ambience and aesthetics,” governor Obiano explained.
He also used the opportunity to announce plans by the state government to launch an ambitious tree planting campaign, saying, “By next week we are flagging off the tree planting season. We aim to plant one million trees per annum. We have just introduced a very good initiative in schools where every student will be made to plant a tree in his or her name. The student will have the sole responsibility of nurturing that tree to grow.”
Describing the MoU as consistent with his vision to provide effective housing delivery services to Ndi Anambra across board, governor Obiano assured that his government is committed to meeting its side of the bargain. He urged the investor to hit the ground running so as to ensure that the project is realised within the specified duration.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of ANSIPPA, Igwe Cyril Enweze explained that the project was in line with the State Government’s economic objectives for housing and would promote urban development, create employment opportunities as well as create activities state-wide that would enhance the state’s capacity to internally generated revenue.