By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Housing Capt. Iniobong Ekong(Rtd) has said that the upscale Dakkada Luxury Estate in Uyo would not be a white Elephant project.
He has also said that most beneficiaries of plots at the Itam Industrial Park did not want to develop their plots as agreed because they saw their allotments as political settlement.
Ekong made this known yesterday in Uyo at a press conference on the activities and programmes of his Ministry towards the actualisation of A.R. I. S.E Agenda of the governor Umo Eno led-administration.
The commissioner assured that his administration would improve on a lot of structures met on ground and also in line with standard best practices and introduce new structures needed to put the state in competition with other states of the federation.
“I want to assure you that this Ministry has lofty programmes for this Ministry starting from the first of its kind estate in this part of the World, the Dakkada Luxury Estate.
“The Ministry of Lands has the responsibility to develop the Estate in terms of site services and other utility provisions that will make it attractive to compete and compare with any Estate in the world.
“The governor has given me approval to take on-the-spot assessment of that Estate
between now and next week with the intention of understanding where we are to be able to progress to the next stage. I guarantee you that it will never be a white Elephant project.” The commissioner explained.
He said the ministry has already commenced the process of revoking undeveloped plots at the 100 hectares Industrial Park as directed by Governor Umo Eno.
“And on Monday His Excellency the governor undertook unscheduled visit to the Ibom Industrial park. And as I speak to you we are under instruction to revoke all unoccupied/undeveloped plots in that industrial estate.
“Unfortunately, quite a lot of investable lands and property have been taken up by politicians and privileged people in the society just to hold it without the necessary ripple benefit to the generality of the people.” He said.
On the level of completion of the Dakkada Luxury Estate, Ekong stated that 625 plots were allowed in the first phase with 385 plots at various stages of payment being made on them.
“The estate is secured, it is 100 percent fenced. Some roads are 100 percent completed. Water is also going to be done with proper reticulation system. So government is aggressively pursuing the timely completion of their own responsibilities.” The commissioner said.
