Abia govt revokes estate building permit in Umuahia over flooding, structural defect

The Abia State Government has revoked the building permit for Trademore Housing Estate, Ubani, Umuahia, saying that the development of estate was riddled with planning and regulatory infractions.

The actions of the state government is coming one week after the residents of the estate protested in Umuahia township over flood disaster and infrastructural challenges in the estate.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced the revocation on Tuesday while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

He noted that findings carried out by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority UCDA at the estate, uncovered several violations by the estate developer.

The Commissioner disclosed that the application also lacked critical planning and regulatory documents, including a survey plan, site plan, site analysis report, layout plan, environmental impact assessment report, evidence of payment of administrative fees, and technical inputs from relevant professionals and government agencies.

 “Consequently, in view of the foregoing infractions, the building permit of that estate has been revoked. Further steps to address the issues arising from this unfortunate situation will be duly communicated to the press,” Kanu stated.

Abia State government also said that it has taken steps to reduce health hazards and prevent disease outbreaks in flood-prone areas, particularly the communities where flooding destroyed homes and farms.

On the travails of Abia indigens living in South Africa, Abia State government disclosed that it received nine additional returnees from South Africa and has reunited them with their families.

He added that the State government was  preparing to support the evacuation and return of about one hundred Abia indigenes from South Africa in the coming weeks.