July 16, (THEWILL) – The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing affordable, decent and comfortable houses for every strata of society.
Eno stated this at the foundation laying for an estate, Ewet Luxury Gardens, located at Ewet Offot in Uyo, the State capital.
He noted that in line with his economic development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, his administration was undertaking different housing projects for the elites, low-income earners and poorest of the poor, as well as a planned 18-floor tower in Lagos, to be named “Ibom Towers.”
The Governor noted that the Ewet Luxury Garden, a prototype of the Dakkada Luxury Estate, will be a smart estate that will cater for both residents and investors from the diaspora.
He said the project was more of a business venture, with units available for outright purchase, adding that construction is expected to begin soon, starting with a project office. He encouraged interested buyers, particularly those from the diaspora, to make early inquiries as it is slated for completion within eight months.
“This luxury estate is positioned as part of a larger state initiative that includes compassionate housing and rural community development projects, showcasing the government’s multi-faceted approach to housing and urban planning in Akwa Ibom State.
“The project is part of a broader initiative to develop various housing options across different economic brackets in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Eno recalled that the land was locked down for a long time, and while he was serving as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, he had a dialogue with the community which demanded a school in exchange for the land.
He noted that the government honoured the request of the community, constructed a model school for the community and took possession of the land for the estate project.
The State Chief Executive appreciated the leaders and people of the area for their disposition which, according to him, has added laudable value to their community.
He noted that the Ewet Luxury Garden is for high net-worth individuals, while the Grace Estate is for low-income earners, adding that the government has recently flagged off the second phase of the ARISE Compassionate Homes, aimed at building one compassionate home in each of the wards across the State.
Speaking further, the Governor assured that in his administration, effort is being made to ensure that there is something for everyone.
Presenting an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Housing, Otuekong Raphael Bassey, said the new housing estate will feature 32 residential plots each bearing a 5-bedroom detached housing unit and boys quarters, outdoor recreational facilities for children and adults, walk paths, a 100-man capacity multipurpose hall, office facilities, parking spaces, security house and other facilities with a central power plant, sitting on 3.5-hectare land space, assuring that upon completion, it will contribute drastically to reducing the housing deficit in the State.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Imoabasi Jacob, hailed Governor Eno for the project initiative which, he maintained, will not only meet housing needs but serve as a revenue-spinning investment for the state in line with AKICORP’s 3-dimensional goal of wooing investor to ‘come, live and work’ in Akwa Ibom State.
Stakeholders of Uyo Local Government Area, including the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh; Local Government Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udoh, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Pastor Sylvia Ekong, and the Paramount Ruler, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, registered the gratitude of Uyo people in hosting the project and assured of their commitment to maintaining their peace-loving and neighbour-friendly disposition to add value to the estate.
