OJUKWU URGES NNEWICHI RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT RIGHT OF WAY CLEARANCE

By Alufo Bonaventure

The Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, has urged residents of Nnewichi in Nnewi North Local Government Area to cooperate with the state government in the ongoing right of way clearance for critical infrastructure projects.

Ojukwu made the appeal while speaking with journalists in his office in Awka, on July 15, saying the exercise was necessary to facilitate the construction of a 132 KVA electricity transmission power line at Umuogbo-Obiofia, Nnewichi.

He said the delivery of public infrastructure often comes with temporary inconvenience but remains essential for sustainable development and improved public services.

According to the commissioner, projects such as road expansion, schools, markets and courts require land acquisition in the overriding public interest, stressing that such infrastructure is necessary for societal growth.

Ojukwu assured residents that the Soludo administration would ensure fairness and due process throughout the exercise, recalling that owners of properties affected by the Anambra Beltway road expansion were compensated by the state government.

He expressed confidence that a similar approach would be adopted where necessary for the current project.

The commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Lands would, within the next two weeks, commence documentation of affected properties as part of the process for possible compensation before full execution of the project.

He urged residents to support the initiative, noting that the electricity transmission project would boost power supply and promote socio economic development in Nnewichi and neighbouring communities.

The right of way clearance is part of the Anambra State Government’s urban regeneration and infrastructure development agenda aimed at providing the required corridor for the 132 KVA electricity transmission power line project.

Alufo Bonaventure is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State