Abia Launches Housing Projects, Takes Steps to Reform Electricity Sector

The Abia State Executive Council has approved the development of housing estates across the state to cater for civil servants and members of the general public.

This comes as the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) prepares to issue an order to regularise all electricity-related activities within the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Kanu, said the Ministry of Housing has already commenced the process for the construction of a Civil Service Commission Pocket Layout Estate in Umuahia, while agreements have been reached with private developers for additional housing projects in other locations.

Prince Kanu disclosed this on Monday in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. He explained that the housing projects would be executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, in line with the governor’s vision to improve the welfare of Abia residents.

According to him, the planned estates are designed to provide quality and affordable housing for citizens. He added that discussions with private developers are at an advanced stage for proposed estates at Mbaisii and Mgbarakuma-Ubakala in Umuahia, noting that the ministry is close to signing the necessary agreements to enable developers move to the sites without delay.

On the power sector, the commissioner revealed that ASERA is expected to issue a formal order before the end of January to regularise electricity operations across the state. He said this followed the completion of the transfer of regulatory authority from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to the state regulator.

Prince Kanu explained that the move would enhance the resolution of consumer complaints, strengthen consumer protection, improve service delivery, and ensure a fair balance between electricity operators and consumers in Abia State.