The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has demolished unauthorized residential buildings at the former Umuahia main market, popularly known as Ogwumabiri.
The demolition, carried out by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), aims to pave the way for a modern transportation hub to integrate the city’s bus terminal, train station, and intercity shuttles, boosting mobility and economic growth.
What Led to the Demolition:
- The structures were built without government approval, contrary to the original plan for an event center on a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) basis.
- The investor unilaterally repurposed the space, developing residential duplexes and apartments instead of the agreed-upon event center.
Government’s Plan:
- The Abia State Government has been engaging the investor for the past year and has offered a negotiated ex gratia settlement.
- The new transportation hub is expected to enhance the city’s infrastructure, promote efficient mobility, and contribute to the overall economic growth of Umuahia as a modern capital city.
UCDA’s Commitment:
- The Umuahia Capital Development Authority is committed to ensuring that the new transportation hub is developed in line with the government’s vision to transform Umuahia into a modern city.
- The authority has urged the public to report any information concerning defective structures, affirming its commitment to proactively address illegal structures.