From Ikenna Aniagboso
Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has restated his commitment to the development of smart cities in Anambra state.
The Governor stated this while performing the ground breaking ceremony of the Anambra Luxury Place Estate, Nkwelle Ezunaka - a PPP housing initiative between the Anambra state government and Rotech energy services Ltd.
Speaking at the event, Gov Obiano commended the CEO of Rotech Energy Services Ltd, Chief Austin Oguejiofor for embracing the think home philosophy.
He described the estate as a modern, smart and hitech city and encouraged Ndi Anambra to buy property in the estate.
According to Gov Obiano, "what we are building here is a smart city. It is very close to Anambra state international cargo airport, Umueri. The closeness of the estate to the airport, the commercial city of Onitsha and the capital city, Awka makes it a choice location".
Going further, he said that his administration has remained committed "to creating enabling environment and business opportunities in Anambra state by providing lasting security, strengthening the private sector, creating wealth and uplifting our communities.
"These have endeared us to ndi Anambra but more importantly, it is a clear testimony that our concept of Akulue-uno, through attracting more and more people to our state, is working".
Continuing, Obiano said that his administration is focused on "ensuring that those who return home to live and invest, have suitable, affordable and secure accommodation."
"The development of this 50 hectare housing estate by Rotech Energy Services and other housing projects across the state, will adequately serve this
purpose", he stated.
On his part, Chief Austin Oguejifor thanked Gov Obiano for creating a secure and enabling environment for Rotech to invest in the state. He said that the estate will have every facility befitting a modern estate and that it will be completed within 30 months.
The Anambra luxury place estate is a public private partnership housing initiative valued at USD14m. Anambra state owns about 18% equity in the estate, being the cost of 50 hectares of land valued at USD2.5m. The investor, Rotech Enervy Services Ltd owns about 82% equity worth USD11.5m.