By Praise Chinecherem
Managing Director of Anambra State Housing Development Corporation, (ASHDC) Chief Chike Anyaonu has decried the rot he met at the Corporation on assumption of office two years ago.
He however said he was working hard to redeem the image of the Corporation to ensure it lives up to its responsibility.
Speaking with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council in Awka, Anyaonu said 20 of the 22 estates he inherited would be difficult for government to improve, engage delivery of Housing in the state.
He described as scam one of the estates where the high and mighty in the state reside, explaining that the contractor not only failed to provide amenities required of it, but sold all the plots of land to prospectors.
“As a result of the condition of things in the corporation, we established SOP (Usoro) which encapsulates all the processes one needs to go through to get what one wants from the corporation.
He particularly lamented the situation at Ngozika Housing Estate, phase II which he said “Government used to scam our people”.
He added:”The contractor of Rockland Development Ltd was given the estate to enter into and develop, take over all residential plots but provide infrastructure necessary for people to come and live there. Non of these was done. People moved in and started developing the place on their own.
“Meanwhile, Rockland had gone ahead, sold all the plots, closed the books and handed over before I came.
“What is happening now is that people are developing the place on their own, without government coming to their aid, providing all those infrastructure Rockland ought to provide.
“As a result, we have not been going to that place to collect our fees because it would have been shameful “.
Anyaonu however said he has secured the approval of the board to construct one kilometre Road in the Estate and put streetlights.
He said, that strictly speaking only two Housing Estates are working, namely: Udoka Housing Estate, Awka and another at Fegge Bridge head.
However, he noted that the Corporation is not resting on its oars to deliver on its mandate as he has reorganised the corporation and put the right pegs in the right places.
Responding, Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman, Chief Chuks Ilozue urged Anyaonu to strive to turn things around in the corporation so as to etch his name in the annals of history.
“Apart from the primary function of the press which is to inform, educate and entertain, it is the duty of the press to hold government accountable to the people,” he added.”
