By Ruth Orji
The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has commenced the issuance of seven day eviction notices and the marking of illegal shanty structures in Nnewi as part of efforts to restore environmental order and improve the city’s physical outlook.
The exercise, which began on June 5, targets shanties located around the Nnewi Triangle axis and along the newly dualised Nnewi Owerri Road corridor. The affected structures have been identified as illegal developments that constitute environmental nuisances and undermine the state’s urban renewal and development plans.
According to the Ministry, the notice and marking exercise will last for one week, after which enforcement actions, including the removal of the structures, will commence.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, said the initiative is in line with the urban regeneration agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo aimed at transforming Anambra into a modern, livable and economically competitive state.
Ojukwu declared the commencement of “Operation Zero Shanties in Nnewi,” stressing that the government remains committed to repositioning the industrial city as a clean, orderly and attractive commercial hub.
“We are set to take Nnewi to the next level as an enviable city. We hereby declare Operation Zero Shanties in Nnewi. This notice exercise will last for one week, after which the removal of shanties will commence,” the Commissioner stated.
He urged residents, traders and property owners affected by the exercise to cooperate with government officials and comply with the directive, noting that the action is necessary to enhance urban aesthetics, improve public safety and sustain the state’s development objectives.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Soludo administration’s resolve to enforce physical planning regulations across the state and ensure that all developments conform to approved standards.
Ruth is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
