By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (PPUD) officials have demolished Illegal structures ranging from shanties, container shops, and buildings in Nnewi, Ozubulu and parts of Agulu.
The exercise termed “Operation Zero Shanties” was in furtherance of its move towards removing illegal structures, especially those along the corridors of roads across the state.
The team led by the State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Bar Chijioke Ojukwu, on August 8, revisited areas served notices, demolishing a building constructed on a drainage channel at Nkwo Triangle roundabout,Nnewi.
He explained that the demolitions followed the expiration of notices issued to the affected property owners and roadside traders.
Ojukwu further stated that more than 100 illegal structures built along the setback walls of Joint Hospital, Ozubulu, were demolished, with areas like Traffic Light, Nkwo Triangle axis, Nnewi, most affected.
He noted that the exercise was long overdue and was targeted at roadside shanties and unapproved buildings causing traffic obstruction along the road.
“We started at the Traffic Light in Nnewi, now at Joint Hospital, Ugwu Oye, Ozubulu, where we received complaints. We have come to restore order and sanity by clearing shanties which is defacing the environment,” the commissioner said.
He reiterated that it was going to be a comprehensive removal of all Illegal structures in the state, especially those near the road corridors.
“We are serious about what we are doing. We are serious about urban regeneration, we are serious about restoring sanity in our environment.
“My advice is whenever they receive any notice from the Ministry of PPUD they should take it seriously because it is no longer business as usual,” Ojukwu warned.
Chukwuka Ugokwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
