By Desire Emmanuel
It was lamentation galore among occupants of structures at an area in Nnewi, Anambra State, following demolition notices served owners of more than 500 structures the state government described as “illegal, dilapidated and unsafe.”
Among structures expected to go, according to the state government in a statement on Saturday, June 6, were those erected under high-tension power lines, buildings constructed without approved setbacks, unauthorised developments, filling stations, hotels built without approval, and other structures considered hazardous to public safety and urban development.
The demolition notices were served by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development at places such as Nnewi Triangle axis, Hundred Foot Road, Post Office area, Anaedo Road, Igwe Orizu Road, Ezemewi Road, Nkwo axis, and sections of the Nnewi–Owerri highway right-of-way.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in the state, Mr Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, who led officials of the ministry in delivering the notices, said the action was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of building a cleaner, safer and more orderly urban environment.
He explained that the idea is to lay the foundation for the comprehensive regeneration of Nnewi and the restoration of its position as a premier industrial and commercial hub.
Ojukwu said the notices also serve as a formal warning to owners of structures obstructing the right-of-way of the newly-dualised Nnewi-Owerri Road and other areas earmarked for redevelopment under the state’s urban transformation agenda.
He disclosed that the over 500 owners of the structures had been granted a two-week ultimatum to move out before government enforcement and demolition activities commence.
This has thrown residents living in the structures into confusion as they lamented that the two-week ultimatum given to them to move out is too short. Some of them said they had lived in the area for more than 20 years.
They also said leaving the area and getting another accommodation within two weeks may be a Herculean task for them, urging the state government to give them more time.
However, while acknowledging the inconvenience the exercise may cause the occupants of the structures, the commissioner urged them to cooperate with the government over the matter.
