Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the establishment of a new Government Reserved Area, GRA, as part of efforts to decongest Benin City, expand housing opportunities and attract investment.
The Governor says the cost of redesigning the existing GRA, addressing its persistent flooding challenges and reconstructing deteriorating roads would run into hundreds of billions of naira, making the development of a new GRA a more viable option.
For several years, residential areas within Benin City’s existing Government Reserved Areas, including Etete, Boundary, Ihama Gapiona, and Ugbor, have grappled with persistent flooding and deplorable road conditions.
A survey commissioned by the Governor Okpebholo administration to assess the possibility of addressing these challenges reportedly put the cost at over N200 billion, prompting the decision to establish a new GRA within the Benin metropolis.
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Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service, EDOGIS, says the Governor has directed the agency to undertake the survey and planning of the proposed estate.
Bello explains that the new GRA is expected to ease pressure on the existing city centre by providing a well-planned residential environment supported by modern infrastructure and an efficient land administration system.
The proposed layout will accommodate road networks, drainage, electricity, water supply, telecommunications and other essential services.
Details of the proposed location, approved layout, land allocation, infrastructure development and implementation timeline are expected to be announced by the relevant authorities after the necessary assessments and approvals.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
