Abia State Issues Ultimatum for Building Maintenance in Umuahia

The Abia State Government has given landlords in Umuahia a four-week deadline to carry out necessary maintenance and facelifts on their properties or face penalties.

The directive was announced on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during the weekly State Executive Council press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia.

Kanu stated that many buildings in the state capital are in a state of disrepair, which detracts from the city’s appearance and undermines government efforts to beautify Umuahia.

“The State Government has observed with dismay that many landlords have not carried out routine maintenance or facelifts to their buildings for years,” he said. “These buildings currently deface the city, thereby setting back efforts to give Umuahia the look and feel of a capital city.”

He explained that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) will enforce the order, and non-compliant property owners will face consequences.

The move is part of the broader Umuahia Renewal and Beautification Programme, which includes tree planting along major streets, repainting kerbs, installing perimeter fences and road signs, and clearing illegal structures.

The Commissioner also noted that the government has repeatedly urged residents to remove shanties and unauthorized building projections. He warned that enforcement actions will now be taken against those who fail to comply.

In a related development, Prince Kanu announced a ban on illegal parking by commercial buses on city roads, stating that vehicles found violating this rule will be impounded.

“All commercial bus operators involved in this unwholesome act are advised to desist, as culprits will have their vehicles impounded,” he said.