The House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning has voiced serious concerns over the sluggish implementation of the Renewed Hope Estate Project in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante Dagomie, also criticized the substandard execution of the Umu Etuk-Spencer Esin slum upgrade road network in Oron, describing the situation as unacceptable. The Committee visited the state as part of its oversight duties to inspect federal projects.
Rep. Abiante expressed frustration at the state of the 250-unit housing project in Uyo, managed by three separate contractors. Despite receiving 30% funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, work completed so far amounts to less than 6%. He pointed out that the project, awarded in June 2024 and scheduled for completion by September 2024, is far behind schedule.
Highlighting the issue of contractor incompetence, Abiante called on Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa to engage qualified and reliable contractors for federal projects.
The slum upgrade road in Oron, handled by Logine Limited, also drew sharp criticism. Abiante remarked, “The contractor wasted allocated funds on substandard materials, leading to the deplorable state of this road, constructed only in July. This situation is a disservice to the people it was meant to benefit.”
The Committee identified four contractors—Springwell Intercontinental Resources, Tunsoye Trust Global Link, Hyosungs Nigeria Limited, and Logine Limited—as key players in the slow progress and poor execution of these projects.
To address the issues, Rep. Abiante directed the Committee Clerk to summon the Minister of Urban Development and the contractors to appear before the Committee this Thursday. This meeting aims to uncover the root causes of the delays and ensure swift corrective measures.
“The Renewed Hope housing scheme is a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. We cannot allow incompetence or sabotage to derail its objectives,” the Chairman concluded.
