Why $ 18 billion Centenary City project remains undeveloped, by officials
THE exit of two foreign partners, Messrs Front Range Properties and Eagle Hills of Dubai due to unfavourable government policy may have deepened the woes of the $ 18 billion Centenary City project in Abuja, as substantial parts of the scheme remain undeveloped, ten years after it was mooted.
Currently, activities at the construction site are at lowest ebb, with only few staff working at the project. Developed by Centenary City Free Zone Export, a private investment company, with a joint venture agreement with the Federal Government to mark the country’s 100th year anniversary, but after its inauguration, there was no political will to push the project to completion, which made the foreign investors to pull out.
The 1,264.78- hectare master planned community was envisaged as a spectacular city hub. By the end of its planned 10- year development cycle, it is expected that this innovative and vibrant city would have created over 150,000 construction jobs and 250,000 permanent well- paying jobs.
The mixed- use city is planned for a residential population of about 200,000 people and around 500,000 daily visitors. It will also accommodate world- class multinational and domestic businesses in a world- class environment with emphasis on modernity and Nigeria’s unique cultural heritage. The aim is to integrate contemporary demands and future expectations into a working scheme that will allow the City to develop in a sustainable and socially responsive manner.
It was envisaged as a milestone development with a world tourism destination such as, Africa’s largest mall, world- class hotels, technology parks, residential districts, golf course, and community amenities. The company’s Head of Marketing, Ahmad Al- amin, told The Guardian that they have a built- up area of 8.89 million square metres for construction, which upon completion will be home to over 100,000 residents and office community of over 87,000 workers.
“The city will retain the hills within the area as natural features and wildlife preserves, while the adjoining river will serve as a natural floodplain park and partly urban riverfront. Out of 1,300 hectares, 553 hectares will be allocated to green areas to give a serene environment,” he said.
Al- Amin also stated that they are looking forward to the coming year, when there will be multiple horse racing tournaments; lots of equestrian activities and picnic destinations for the lovers of these games, regretting, these would have taken place if not for the downturn in economy.
He further explained, “We would begin to bring in real estate investment and industry, aimed at making the Centenary City to grow and evolve into different ways in the coming years. Kuje infrastructure is an ongoing project that opens the major access way into the commercial hub.
“We see all these as a catalyst for the creation of opportunities, integration of developments in the district, and most importantly boost capital projects. We envisage a community of businesses located on common property to seek enhanced environmental and economic drive,” he added.
According to him, though the original master plan was intact, and we do not intend to re- design the project, we are planning to introduce new technologies in line with the reality on ground so as to serve the proposed 236 housing units’ prospective subscribers better in future.
Mr Adamu Buba, an engineer, told The Guardian that the Centenary city project has become an ugly thing because the Muhammadu Buhari administration did not show interest in the estate, and throughout his eight- year tenure, he did nothing to revive the project thinking that if completed the credit will go to the initiator – Goodluck Jonathan.
Buba called on the present administration to resuscitate the projects as it would provide accommodation for people and employment for the youths and also attract both local, as well as foreign investments to Abuja and its environs.