By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom government is constructing a total of 1,048 housing units in a renewed move to curb the increasing housing deficit in the state.
This is even as the state government acquired 150 hectares of land across seven locations for eight housing programmes in different Local Councils.
Commissioner for Housing, Dr Henry Archibong who made this known at a media briefing yesterday in Uyo, listed the housing projects as Aviation Village, the Medical City, Judiciary Quarters, Arise City Housing Scheme, Grace Estate, Ewet Luxury Estate, The Executive and Legislative Quarters and the Arise Compassionate Home.
Archibong said that the programme is designed to address the housing needs of different categories of people.
“The Aviation Village covers approximately 15.072 square meters of fenced land, comprising 100 housing units — 50 of two-bedroom and 50 three-bedroom apartments. This project is 98 per cent completed.
“The Ministry is also developing a residential facility on an expanse of land covering approximately 11.8 hectares. The project comprises 50 three-bedroom Bungalows and 50 Terrace 4-Bedroom duplexes, alongside a model school and recreational facilities.
“Sited within 14.181 square metres in the Dakadda Luxury Estate, the Ministry is delivering 64 five-bedroom duplexes for members of the Executive and Legislative Arms of government. 32 units for legislators and 32units for the executives, as well as recreational facilities. Itisat 40% completion.
“Perhaps one of the most important components of our current housing intervention is the ARISE City Social and Affordable Housing Estate at Mbierebe Akpawat in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Council. Construction is ongoing and the target is 250 units of two-bedroom bungalows, with the first 100 units to be delivered in December 2026.
“Work is also at advanced stage at the Judiciary Quarters in Uyo. It occupies approximately 6.3 hectares and comprises 50 four-bedroom duplex residential units, each with two boys’ quarters, alongside security infrastructure. It also includes a recreational Centre and conference hall.
“The list will also include 236 units of flats at Grace Estate, which 150 were given to civil servants, 35 units of duplexes at the Ewet Luxury Garden, as well as the ongoing construction of 31 residences for Local Government Chairmen.” the commissioner explauned.
He said that over 500 Arise Compassionate homes for the vulnerables are being constructed with 438 equipped with solar powered boreholes, while lightening systems have been completed and delivered to beneficiaries accross the state.
Archibong said that the projects created economic opportunities with atleast 6,000 people benefiting directly and indirectly through employment and related economic activities.
“For many of these workers, construction provides a daily source of income, with earnings estimated at between ₦7,000 and ₦12,000 per day, depending on the nature of work undertaken.
“The impact therefore goes beyond bricks, blocks and buildings. It extends to artisans, labourers, suppliers, transporters, food vendors, POS and other small businesses that depend on construction activities. This is one of the reasons we regard housing as both a social intervention and an economic-development tool.” he concluded.
