WAYS CITIZENS CAN BUILD A BETTER, SAFER AWKA
By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige
Every beautiful, safe and well-planned city is built through the combined efforts of government and responsible citizens. In Awka and across the Awka Capital Territory, residents have a role to play in creating an orderly environment by respecting planning regulations, protecting public infrastructure and supporting community development.
Before constructing any building, residents should obtain the required planning approval and ensure that construction follows the approved design. Unauthorised changes, illegal structures and developments that ignore zoning regulations can place pressure on roads, drainage systems and other public facilities.
Citizens must also keep roads, drainage channels and public spaces free from obstruction. Building on setbacks or dumping refuse into drains can contribute to flooding, while indiscriminate waste disposal creates health and environmental hazards for entire communities.
Keeping homes and surroundings clean is another important responsibility. Residents should dispose of waste properly, maintain their buildings and protect trees and green spaces. Regular maintenance of structures can also help prevent building-related accidents and protect lives and property.
Responsible citizenship includes paying lawful taxes, levies and other statutory charges. Citizens should also protect public infrastructure such as streetlights, transformers, roads, drainage facilities and manhole covers, while reporting illegal developments or vandalism to the appropriate authorities.
Community participation is equally important. Residents should attend town-hall meetings, support sanitation exercises, participate in development initiatives and cooperate with planning officials during lawful inspections. Such cooperation helps authorities identify problems and maintain orderly urban development.
Ultimately, building a better Awka requires partnership between government and citizens. By respecting planning rules, keeping communities clean, protecting public facilities, promoting peace and taking responsibility for their environment, residents can help create safer, healthier and more beautiful communities for everyone.
Sylvia is of the Ministry of Informatiin, Anambra State
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