Enugu Approves 1,000 Housing Units, Cable Car Project, Roads in Major Economic Expansion Drive

The Enugu State Government has approved a fresh wave of infrastructure projects spanning roads, housing, tourism and public facilities as part of its plan to expand the state’s economy from $4 billion to $30 billion within eight years.

The approvals were granted during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the weekend, with officials describing the decisions as part of a broader strategy to accelerate urban development, improve infrastructure and attract investment into the state.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh, outlined some of the major projects approved by the council.

Among the projects is the completion and upgrade of unfinished sections of the Enugu State Secretariat Complex in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Enugu, alongside rehabilitation works on existing wings of the facility.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Okoh, said the council approved the completion of Wings C and D of the Secretariat Complex, which have remained unfinished for years, as well as improvements to Wings A and B currently in use.

He explained that the project would involve a complete transformation of the complex with modern facilities, while also addressing structural and operational challenges identified in the existing buildings.

“Recall that the A and B wings of the State Secretariat Complex were completed and commissioned in May 2015. Since then, the C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D1 and D2 wings have remained uncompleted and are currently in a deplorable state,” Okoh said.

The government also approved additional housing developments as part of the expansion of the New Enugu City project.

Following the completion of the first phase of a 6.5-kilometre dual carriageway and ongoing internal road construction, the state approved the development of 1,000 fully detached terrace housing units comprising four- and five-bedroom homes.

The Commissioner disclosed that the government was also progressing with plans for 18,000 mass housing units at Gateway Estate in Enugu, aimed at addressing housing shortages and reducing the cost of accommodation.

He said the housing programme would include supporting infrastructure such as roads, water supply and electricity.

On road infrastructure, the council approved the immediate commencement of the 10.5-kilometre Igogoro-Amachara-Ikpamodo-Okpo-Amaada road project.

The government also approved interventions on flood-prone sections of Nsukka major roads, including drainage rehabilitation, removal of blocked waterways and construction of five adjoining streets affected by flooding.

Okoh added that the Ministry of Works would receive more than 30 pieces of light equipment to strengthen direct labour projects, maintenance activities and emergency interventions.

Beyond roads and housing, the council approved major tourism projects designed to position Enugu as a leading leisure and investment destination.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, announced the approval of three major tourism developments, the Ovu Lake Golf Resort in Akpawfu, Nkanu East Local Government Area, the Akwuke Tourism Development Project in Enugu South and the Attakwu Tourism Development Project in Nkanu West.

The council also approved the Okpatu-Awhum Cable Car Project, which the commissioner described as one of the administration’s flagship tourism initiatives.

The Ovu Lake Golf Resort is expected to feature an 18-hole championship golf course, a luxury hotel with more than 100 rooms, a 600-seat conference centre, boat regatta facilities, landscaped gardens, clubhouses, children’s playgrounds, lawn tennis and basketball courts.

According to Madueke, the Attakwu Tourism Project will transform the area’s natural forest and lake environment into an ecotourism destination with an animal sanctuary and other attractions.

The Akwuke Tourism Project, she said, would include a modern sand beach, theme park, water park, scenic boardwalk and recreational facilities designed for families and visitors.

She added that the Okpatu-Awhum Cable Car would cover approximately 5.32 kilometres, connecting Okpatu Hill, home to the Cross of Hope to the Awhum Waterfall.

The project will feature three stations: the departure point at Okpatu Hill, an intermediate station at Awhum Monastery and a terminal station at Awhum Waterfall, where visitors would have access to additional attractions including an experience centre and food court.

The Enugu State Government said the projects reflect its commitment to building modern infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities and positioning the state as a major destination for business, tourism and investment.