Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has delivered 1,048 housing units to civil servants, vulnerable citizens and key public sector workers across the state in less than three years, as part of efforts to address the state's housing deficit.
The housing units were provided under the state's Cluster Housing Development Programme, an initiative of the Eno administration aimed at expanding access to affordable and decent accommodation for residents.
The beneficiaries include low-income civil servants, widows, persons with disabilities, healthcare workers, aviation personnel, judicial officers, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and local government chairmen.
A breakdown of the projects showed that the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative accounted for 438 completed units, with 355 already allocated to vulnerable beneficiaries and a target of 500 homes.
The state government also completed 230 units at Grace Estate, 100 units at Aviation Village for airport and aviation workers, and another 100 medical residences within the state's Medical City for healthcare personnel.
Other projects include 64 units for members of the House of Assembly and the State Executive Council, 50 units for judicial officers, 35 units at Ewet Luxury Garden and 31 residences for local government chairmen.
In addition, the administration allocated 150 housing units free of charge to civil servants on Grade Levels 1 to 7.
According to the government, the initiative is designed to ease the burden of accommodation costs on workers and improve living conditions for vulnerable groups.
Officials said the provision of free homes for low-income workers would enable beneficiaries to redirect resources previously spent on rent towards education, healthcare and other family needs.
The government noted that the ARISE Compassionate Homes scheme was targeted at widows, elderly citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable residents who had faced housing challenges.
Beyond providing shelter, the administration said the programme had contributed to job creation through construction activities involving artisans, engineers, contractors and suppliers.
It added that the establishment of residential facilities close to workplaces for healthcare and aviation personnel was expected to improve productivity and enhance service delivery in critical sectors.
Governor Eno's administration disclosed that plans were underway to construct an additional 150 townhouse units along the reclaimed Uyo Village Road corridor.
Upon completion of the new project, the total number of housing units delivered and under development by the administration is expected to exceed 1,198.
The state government said the housing programme reflects its commitment to inclusive development and improved welfare for residents through targeted social interventions.
