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.”

The post Imo State to Build Affordable Housing Estates in Owerri for Low-Income Earners appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

An Imo State High Court in Owerri has issued an order restraining the Imo State Government from continuing the demolition of the Owerri Central Market complex.

The ruling also prevents the government from evicting occupants of the market pending the outcome of the substantive suit.

Hon. Justice I.C. Ibeawuchi, presiding at the vacation court, directed the state government, its agents, and others acting on its behalf to halt further demolition activities or actions that could disrupt the ongoing legal proceedings.

The plaintiffs, including the Incorporated Board of Trustees of Rhema Life Ministry International and several property development firms, filed the case under suit number HOW/882/2024 to challenge the government’s ownership claims over the Central Market Layout. The case centers on allegations of forceful demolition and illegal ejection.

To enforce its directive, the court served Form 48 (Order IX, Rule 13), which warns of contempt charges and possible imprisonment for any disobedience of the court’s order. The directive emphasized maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace over the disputed property.

Speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, counsel Christian Nwadigo expressed optimism about the case. “We believe the court will uphold justice to stop the impunity of land grabbing, illegal demolition, and ejection of property owners,” he said.

Nwadigo accused the state government of flouting the court’s directive by continuing construction activities on the disputed site. “There is evidence of illegal constructions carried out by the first and second defendants, violating the court’s order to maintain the status quo,” he stated.

When contacted for the government’s response, officials at the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development declined to comment, citing a lack of authorization to speak on the matter.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 23, 2025, under the Justice Akobundu-led High Court, where the rightful ownership of the property will be determined.

The post Court Restrains Imo State Government from Demolishing Owerri Central Market appeared first on Housing TV Africa.