By Daniel Tyokua
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has begun a new plan to improve provision of additional infrastructure and services that will impact positively on the residents.
Briefing journalists on Wednesday, the chairman, Hon. Christopher Maikàlangu announced that the council has Kick started assessment and capturing of property within the council for equity allocation of resources in the 2025 budget.
The chairman who spoke through the Supervisory Councilor on Special Duties, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, said the assessment has not been conducted in the last past eight years.
He said the assessment is crucial for making informed decisions about infrastructure, schools, police posts, and other public amenities.
“We intend to take stock of residential, commercial, and other types of buildings. This will guide our budgeting process and help us allocate resources effectively, AMAC bylaws listed property assessments as a mandatory task for every five years.
According to him, the current initiative, led by Mr. Ebuka Anih and a team of certified surveyors, is not just beneficial but a legal requirement.
He urged property owners to allow surveyors access to their premises, warning that refusal could lead to legal repercussions.
The assessment will encompass all 12 wards in AMAC, including Karshi, Orozo, Kado, Nyanya, City Centre, Wuse, Gwarimpa, Garki, Kabusa, Gui, and Gwagwa.
Imaikakalangu assured the residents that the process would be conducted fairly and transparently by an external body, with published results allowing residents the opportunity to review and object if necessary. An appeal tribunal and magistrate court will also be available for dispute resolution.
Concluding his remarks, Inyang reiterated the council’s commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting recent projects in roads, water, and electrification.
“This assessment will help us identify areas needing further development and ensure AMAC’s progress aligns with residents’ needs.”
The initiative is set to begin tomorrow, and AMAC is urging full cooperation from property owners.
“We will have zero tolerance for harassment. No one here has any authority to harass anyone,”
Principal Partner of Ebuka Anih & Co. Estate Surveyors & Valuers, ESV Chukwuebuka Anih emphasized the significance of accurate property assessments for AMAC’s developmental planning.
He assured residents of the integrity of the surveying process and encouraged them to verify surveyors’ identification upon request.
Divisional Head of Tenement Rate & Valuation Office at AMAC, Anna Ibrahim, noted the transition from manual documentation to a fully digital approach, making the assessment process more efficient.
“This exercise will take no more than five minutes per property,” she said, calling for cooperation to ensure accurate data collection and prevent future discrepancies.
She emphasized that the council aims to leverage this initiative for comprehensive data collection, crucial for sustainable development within the Abuja Municipal Area.
