Chinedum Treasure
A 72-year old woman, Evang. Azụka Obi has lamented possible demolition of her 8-bedroom family apartment in the ongoing dualization of Amawbia/Agulu/Nanka/Ekwulobia/Uga/Akokwa road by Anambra State Government.
Obi, whose apartment is one of those already marked for removal, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to consider her family as well as others whose buildings were affected.
Speaking with reporters in her home in Umuowelle Agulu by Ezinano junction, the retired civil servant said they were not against the dualization plans, but suggested that the side of the road with few structures should be considered to minimize losses.
She said, “We welcome the plan to expand the road. But we’re only worried about the huge economic losses that would be incurred by both the property owners and government in the process.
“We appeal to government to shift the expansion to the left hand side of the road, especially from the Ezinano roundabout through the Agulu lake because of the fewer structures along that lane when compared to the ones along the right hand side.
“It will definitely be cost effective for government because it’s easier to compensate those who are yet to put up structures on their lands than those who already have buildings on their lands.”
The septuagenarian who revealed that the family had lived in the apartment for over 60years, said the planned demolition would expose them to danger.
“We’ve been living here for over 60years. From the markings, the expansion will not only affect the fence, but part of our house, and that will expose our home to insecurity.
“I’m a retiree and have grand children with more girls and this expansion process will not augur well for the inhabitants. We don’t have any other house to park into,” she lamented.
Also speaking, Prof Levi Ezeaku, an in-law to the family appealed that government should consider the alternative Amawbia-Agulu route, which, according to him, is not only a federal road, but had been the original route in the master plan.
“Besides, there are five villages along that route while the Agulu lake route is only one village and the people of the five villages want the road dualization pass through their area.
“However, if the only option remains the demolition, the family should be adequately compensated so we are not rendered homeless.
Meanwhile, leadership of Agulu People’s Union had assured those affected by the dualization plans that all hopes were not lost in the process.
Public Relations Officer of the body,
Chinazo Onwuazombe said efforts were on to reduce extent of demolition to be suffered by the victims, while those whose properties were due for compensation were adequately compensated.
He urged those from Agulu whose properties are marked for removal along the road to make available four (4) passport photograph and means of identification for necessary documentations.
“While we urge everybody to stay calm and cooperate with the State Government, the Leadership of Agulu People’s Union is doing everything possible to reduce the extent of demolition that our people will suffer and ensure that those whose properties are due for compensation are adequately compensated.”
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