Abia govt revokes estate building permit in Umuahia over flooding, structural defect

The Abia State Government has revoked the building permit for Trademore Housing Estate in Umuahia, citing numerous planning and regulatory infractions. This decision came a week after residents of the estate protested over flood disasters and infrastructure issues in the area. The revocation was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a briefing with journalists following the state's executive council meeting.

Kanu revealed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) found several violations during their inspection, including the absence of crucial planning and regulatory documents such as a survey plan, site plan, environmental impact assessment report, and technical inputs from professionals and government agencies. Due to these infractions, the building permit has been revoked, and further steps to address the situation will be communicated to the press.

The Abia State government is also taking measures to mitigate health hazards and prevent disease outbreaks in flood-prone areas, particularly in communities where flooding has destroyed homes and farms. Additionally, the government has received and reunited nine additional returnees from South Africa, and plans are underway to support the evacuation and return of about 100 more Abia indigenes from South Africa in the coming weeks.