By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige
The Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA), in collaboration with Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) and Awka South Local Government Area(LGA), has commenced an enforcement operation to remove illegal structures and obstructions within the Ifite student environment.
The exercise, which began on Aug. 8, focused on the Ifite and UNIZIK axis, where the joint task force removed shanties, unauthorised structures and extensions erected along walkways and other public spaces.
The operation is aimed at restoring order, improving pedestrian movement, creating a cleaner and safer environment for students, residents and business operators within the densely populated area.
The intervention is in line with the directive of the Anambra State Government to maintain a clean, safe and orderly capital territory, ensuring that public spaces remain accessible for legitimate use.
Speaking during the exercise, the Joint Task Force warned that enforcement would be sustained, urging landlords, developers and business owners to desist from encroaching on walkways and other public spaces.
The task force advised property owners and developers to comply with approved planning regulations and obtain the necessary approvals before undertaking construction.
According to the authorities, clearing the obstructions will ease movement within the student community, improve the physical environment and help reduce activities that could create security and safety concerns.
The operation underscores the importance of balancing commercial activities with the need to preserve public spaces in a busy student community where pedestrian movement is particularly high.
Residents, students, business operators and other stakeholders were encouraged to support the exercise by complying with planning regulations and refraining from further encroachment on public spaces.
The authorities said the enforcement would continue as part of broader efforts to promote orderly development and improve the quality of the urban environment within the Awka capital territory.
Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
