The Government of Abia State has disclosed plans to build a 60-unit housing estate in each of the 17 Local Government Area, totaling 1,020 houses across the state.

The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Osita Igbe, made the disclosure on Thursday in an exclusive in Umuahia, the state capital. He said the massive housing project forms part of the holistic plans and conscious efforts by the state government to boost and deepen development at the grassroots.

The State Government, according to the commissioner, has perfected arrangements to engage the private sector and mortgage banks to deliver the houses that have civil servants, members of trade associations and unions designated as beneficiaries.

He said: “The State Government is planning something new in the area of mass housing. Inasmuch as we intend to decongest the capital city, we equally desire to create greater opportunities for civil servants and members of trade associations to own houses in their local government origin. By the time the houses are completed and delivered to the beneficiaries, you will see other ancillary services naturally taking place, which of course, will drive development in the 17 LGAs.”

The commissioner further disclosed government readiness to revitalize existing housing estates in Umuahia capital city which include Ishieke, Amauba and Unity Garden estates by providing the necessary amenities lacking within the areas.