Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the housing challenges in the state by initiating the construction of housing estates targeted at low-income earners in Owerri, the state capital, in 2025.
Hon Bede Eke, the Imo State Commissioner for Urban Development and Housing, made this announcement while speaking with the press at his office in Owerri. Eke emphasized that the governor had already finalized plans to build affordable housing estates to alleviate housing concerns for residents, particularly those in the middle-income bracket.
“The housing ministry will be extremely busy this year. Governor Uzodimma has made it clear in his budget speech that he is focused on providing affordable housing for the people of Imo State,” Eke said. “We’re set to begin large-scale housing projects, which will focus on making homes accessible for middle-income earners.”
Eke also assured the public that details regarding the project would be announced in the coming weeks, as work was already underway.
However, he raised concerns about the challenges posed by some communities that, after agreeing to donate land for government projects, later attempt to sell the land or encroach upon it. He said, “It’s disheartening when communities offer land for development, only to turn around and sell it again or even encroach on it once an agreement is in place. This practice is both illegal and disruptive to the development plans.”
In response to these issues, Eke revealed that the state government, under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership, is working diligently to reclaim all government-acquired land that has been encroached upon. He noted that thorough verification processes were being carried out to ensure all such lands were reclaimed.
Eke also issued a stern warning to contractors, urging them to start work promptly after receiving mobilization funds. He expressed frustration with contractors who delay projects and then resort to legal actions with baseless claims, adding that such individuals would face consequences.
“Some contractors take money and then try to run to court with frivolous claims to avoid fulfilling their obligations. That won’t be tolerated,” he said. “I assure the people of Imo State that I will always prioritize their welfare in all decisions, and no private land will be taken forcefully. However, those who encroach on government land will be removed.”
