The Edo State government has taken a significant step towards addressing the issue of congestion in the city centre and providing more housing opportunities for its residents. Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the establishment of a new Government Reserved Area (GRA). This development is aimed at relieving pressure on the existing city centre by providing a well-planned residential area with modern infrastructure and sound land administration.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Assoc. Prof. Innocent Ehiaguina Bello, FNCA, made this announcement in Berlin City. According to him, the Governor has directed the agency to survey and plan the new estate. The new GRA will have a well-planned layout that includes roads, drainage, electricity, water supply, telecommunications, and other basic services. This move is expected to guide development and reduce land disputes.
The new estate will also feature green spaces, recreational facilities, sanitation and waste management systems, and effective stormwater drainage. These features are designed to promote a healthy and sustainable living environment for residents. Furthermore, the project is expected to boost investor confidence, encourage property development, and create jobs through construction and related activities.
One of the key objectives of the new GRA is to explore housing options for different income groups. This will be achieved subject to the approved scheme and government policy. The project will be handled with professionalism, transparency, and technical precision, with sustainable urban development guiding the work. The layout will show clear plot boundaries, road alignments, access routes, and designated land uses.
To ensure the success of the project, EDOGIS will work with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies on geospatial data acquisition, boundary verification, cadastral mapping, preparation of the layout, and the creation of reliable digital land records. The agency will also help identify existing legitimate land interests and planning constraints to limit conflicts.
The implementation of the project will respect the law, legitimate property rights, environmental requirements, and approval procedures. Prospective property owners and investors are urged to seek verified information through official channels and avoid unauthorised transactions or payments. Details on the location, approved layout, land allocation, infrastructure, and timetable will be announced by the appropriate authorities after the necessary assessments and approvals.
The project is an opportunity to advance the administration’s vision of a better-planned, less congested Edo. EDOGIS has reaffirmed its commitment to the SHINE Agenda through professional surveying, dependable land records, and improved service delivery. The agency has called on the media, government agencies, traditional institutions, landowners, investors, and the public to cooperate with the government and respect due process.
Key points
- The new GRA aims to relieve pressure on the existing city centre by providing a well-planned residential area with modern infrastructure and sound land administration.
- The project is expected to boost investor confidence, encourage property development, and create jobs through construction and related activities.
- The implementation of the project will respect the law, legitimate property rights, environmental requirements, and approval procedures.
