The Abia State Government has removed residential structures at the site of the former Umuahia main market, stating that these buildings were constructed without the necessary government approval.
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The demolition was executed by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), as part of the state government’s initiative to transform Umuahia into a modern city and a suitable capital.
In a statement issued on Monday by the General Manager of UCDA, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, it was noted that the previous administration had allocated the former market area to a private investor for the development of an event center under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.
He mentioned that the investor had unilaterally changed the purpose of the space and began constructing residential duplexes and apartments, which was against the government’s original plan.
He further explained that the Abia State Government has been in discussions with the investor for the past year and has proposed a negotiated ex-gratia settlement that includes reclaiming the area to build a modern transportation hub, which would feature a bus terminal, train station, and intercity shuttles.
A visit to the site of the demolished buildings on Monday morning revealed debris scattered across the ground, while a group of residents gathered nearby, conversing quietly.