By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Enforcement Team was on ground today in Enugwu-Ukwu for a major compliance operation aimed at sanitizing the area. The operation is part of ACTDA’s directive to ensure orderly growth and protect residents from avoidable hazards.
The team, led by the Commander of Enforcement, Mr. Jude Nworah, moved across residential and commercial zones to identify illegal developments and structures that violate planning laws and safety standards within the Awka Capital Territory.
During the operation, the officers sealed an unauthorized gas plant that was erected without approval from ACTDA.
Commander Nworah said investigations earlier carried out by ACTDA showed that the facility did not meet safety requirements and was located in a densely populated area.
He explained, “Illegal gas plants like this pose a serious threat to the community because they can cause fire outbreaks, gas explosions, and loss of lives and property.” He further said, “No approval was granted for the facility, and it will remain sealed until due process is followed.”
The enforcement team also demolished an illegal projection built directly under high-tension cables. The commander explained that the structure violated the mandatory safety setback required by law for power line corridors. “Buildings under high-tension lines endanger occupants, disrupt power supply, and make it difficult for EEDC to carry out maintenance,” Mr. Nworah said.
He warned that “such structures will continue to be removed because they put both residents and utility workers at risk.” He added that “these actions are part of ACTDA’s ongoing commitment to ensure a safer, cleaner, and well-planned Awka Capital Territory. The agency is working to prevent disasters, protect public infrastructure, and ensure all developments align with the approved master plan.”
According to him, enforcement will be sustained across all communities in the capital territory, and defaulters will face the full weight of the law.
The commander advised the public to always obtain approval from ACTDA before building or siting any business, noting that structures under high-tension cables and illegal gas plants put everyone’s life at risk.
Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
