By Chukwuka Ugokwe
In line with the urban regeneration policy of the state government, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has served demolition notices to no fewer than 500 owners of structures that were illegally constructed in Nnewi Metropolis.
It was gathered that structures marked for removal included shanties, illegal lock up shops erected under high power cables and without standard set backs, unapproved buildings, Filling Stations, Hotel buildings as well as unstable/ dilapidated structures.
During the exercise, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Bar Chijioke Ojukwu led team, covered parts of Onitsha road, Anaedo Hall road, Hundred foot road, Ezenwegwu road, Post Office, Nkwo Nnewi axis and other locations.
He lamented that individuals develop properties without government approval, warning that henceforth, such practices must not be allowed to continue.
Handing down a two week ultimatum to owners of the affected structures, he said the exercise was in line with the directive of State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and to intimate them on the intended demolition on expiration of the deadline.
“We are making plans effectively in two to three weeks time, we start with Nnewi Triangle area, where the Governor hopes to undertake the completion of the long abandoned Nnewi Mall.
According to him, the State Governor has in mind to develop a central bus park and a recreational centre as part of his broader master plan to transform the metropolis.
“So we have started giving them notices and at the end of the stipulated time, we shall be removing all of them.
“My appeal to them is that this kind of urban regeneration comes with some form of pain, but at the end of the day it is in the best interest of the public.
“It is no longer business as usual, we have adequate laws in Anambra State to deal with physical planning issues, my note of warning is that henceforth everybody must comply with the provisions of the law”
