By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Africa Cities Programme assessment in Awka progressed to its field phase on June 16, with ACCIONA experts, Eliza Maceratini and Caroline Ferrandis, joining officials of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) on a series of technical inspections across the capital territory.
Led by the Managing Director of ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko, the team visited several strategic locations, including active gully erosion sites within the capital territory, the Awka dumpsite, and proposed smart city infrastructure locations such as Solution FunCity, the stadium, and Millennium Park. The inspections were aimed at validating data gathered during the first day of the assessment and identifying priority areas for climate resilience interventions and urban renewal projects.
Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Onuko described the second day of the programme as a crucial stage focused on stakeholder engagement, data gathering, institutional consultations, and participatory assessments of key urban systems, particularly environmental management and climate resilience. He noted that the exercise provided an opportunity to verify existing challenges and assess development prospects across the city.
According to him, the initiative is designed to produce a comprehensive City Action Plan alongside bankable infrastructure projects capable of attracting sustainable investment and accelerating the transformation of Awka into a modern, resilient urban centre.
Leader of ACCIONA’s technical team, Eliza Maceratini, observed that Awka’s rapid urban growth presents both opportunities and challenges. She noted that the team identified several areas where targeted investments in drainage infrastructure and waste management could substantially reduce flood risks.
Maceratini also commended the strong level of community participation observed during the assessment, describing it as an essential ingredient for the successful implementation of smart city initiatives.
In the course of the visit, Caroline Ferrandis facilitated discussions on integrating renewable energy solutions and expanding green spaces within Awka’s master plan. She emphasized that these measures would contribute significantly to sustainable urban development and improved environmental resilience.
Government officials who participated in the inspection tour reiterated their support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s urban renewal agenda and pledged continued collaboration to position Awka as Nigeria’s pilot city under the AfDB Africa Cities Programme.
The three-day assessment is expected to conclude on June 17, while a technical workshop has been scheduled for June 18, 2026. The exercise reinforced confidence among stakeholders that Awka possesses the political commitment, community backing, and technical partnerships required to achieve its vision of becoming a safer, smarter, and more sustainable capital city.
Earlier in the programme, the delegation paid courtesy visits to the Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (SAN), and to the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi.
Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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