Anambra State, grappling with a 2.21% annual population growth and mounting urban pressures, is set to embark on a transformative urban development project spearheaded by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The state aims to address its infrastructure challenges by both repurposing existing urban areas and constructing three new smart cities: Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC).
The development strategy seeks to resolve common urban planning issues seen in major African cities like Kinshasa, Cairo, and Lagos, where haphazard growth has led to inadequate infrastructure. In Nigeria, many new developments have encroached on waterways and green spaces, complicating the installation of essential systems such as sewage and water supply.
Governor Soludo’s administration is tackling these challenges directly. For example, during the construction of the Ekwulobia Flyover, over 500 houses were found to have encroached on the right-of-way. Similar issues arose with the superhighway linking Imo State to Awka. A preliminary rail masterplan by Canadian firm CPCS Transcom Limited identified over 5,000 buildings obstructing planned railway routes. Additionally, ongoing water reticulation projects have uncovered buildings constructed over outdated underground waterlines from the 1980s.
To address these issues, Anambra State’s strategy includes both innovative and community-focused solutions. The plan involves revamping poorly planned areas and developing new, eco-friendly cities from scratch, drawing inspiration from successful new capital cities in Egypt and Indonesia.
– Awka 2.0: Covering 5,000 hectares along the Amansea-Ufuma road, Awka 2.0 is designed to accommodate over 500,000 residents, with a population density of 100 people per hectare. The city will feature advanced infrastructure, including well-planned sewage systems, fiber optics, drainage, and power facilities.
– Onitsha 2.0: Located on the banks of the River Niger, this 4,000-hectare city aims to boost Onitsha’s economic activities and complement the largest market in West Africa. It will be developed as a waterfront smart city, similar to Canary Wharf in London.
– Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC): Spanning 4,000 hectares in the Orumba North District, AMIC will function as a free-trade zone focused on manufacturing. The city will support various industries, including agro and food processing, pharmaceuticals, automobile assembly, and textiles, with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to attract investment.
Anambra State’s ambitious plan highlights a strong commitment to modernizing urban infrastructure and fostering sustainable growth, aiming to set new standards for urban development in the region.
