*To redefine sub- saharan Africa’s skyline – MD
WorldStage Newsonline– After a pause in development and construction of the Centenary City project, the promoters said the long awaited $18.5 billion project was back on track as the management, on Aug. 15, officially engaged Messers Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for the provision of infrastructure to the city.
The Managing Director, Centenary City Project Abuja, Dr Ike Odenigwe, said at a news conference in Abuja that the project will redefine sub-saharan Africa’s skyline and enhance Nigeria’s global standing in urban development.
The project initiated by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 was designed to create a smart city, attract global investment and position Nigeria as a prime destination for business and development.
Odenigwe said: “The Centenary City is committed to working with Julius Berger and their expert teams to begin and finalise the primary infrastructure of Centenary Economic City Free Zone.
“This is in line with the Board of Director’s vision to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure as well as seamless, safe and sustainable smart city solutions.
“The project is conceptualised as the foremost Abuja Urban Renewable project. It is a sustainable project.
“The city project presents a great opportunity to create value and raise Abuja‘s profile and encourage international investment in the city.
“This project is designed to work in harmony with nature, the districts and communities are designed to fit in among the natural landscape, offering both an impressive downtown skyline and peaceful suburban living.
“The city is conceptualised as a truly multifunctional development that offers a complete cosmopolitan lifestyle to its residents as well as serves as a tourism hub for the wider community.”
According to Odenigwe, some key components of the city include five-star hotels, luxury serviced apartments and residences as well as an International Commerce Centre (ICC).
Others are Mall of Africa, the Championship Golf Course and Golf Estate, the Championship Polo course, and Polo Estate.
He also mentioned the Nigeria park, Safari park, Industrial park, African Arts Museum, Entertainment District and Amusement park as part of the city project.
“There will be various healthcare and educational facilities and extensive residential dwellings,” he said.
Odenigwe explained that the project would be done in five phases; phase 1, phase 2A, phase 2B, Phase 2C and Phase 3.
“We hereby invite the general public to witness a dramatic progress in this long awaited amazing project,” he said.
He also acknowledged and commended Mr Nysom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for his visionary leadership in ensuring sustainable development in the FCT.
