The Anambra State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal structures, demolishing buildings and shops allegedly erected in violation of physical planning regulations in Nawfia, Abagana and Onitsha.
The exercise was carried out on Friday, September 18, by officials of the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, accompanied by security personnel.
The enforcement team stormed Afor Market, Nawfia, and Oye Agu Market, Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area, where shops and other structures were pulled down.
Speaking during the exercise, the Head of Development Control, Ngozi Okwudili, who led the team, said the demolition followed due process, noting that the affected developers had been served repeated notices.
According to her, one of the structures at Afor Market, Nawfia, was erected without providing for parking space, while the plaza at Oye Agu Market, Abagana, was constructed without the approval of the Ministry.
“There is no space for parking of vehicles in the building plan. They are supposed to make provision for at least 45 percent of the built-up area as parking space. We discovered there is none, and that is why we have to remove one of the buildings,” Okwudili said.
She further disclosed that the enforcement operation extended to Odoakpu in Onitsha following a report that a three-storey building had allegedly been constructed on an access road without the required setback.
She added that another structure, reportedly intended as a security house at Trans Nkisi Layout, was demolished after it allegedly blocked access to some residential buildings.
Okwudili said the owners of the affected structures had been duly notified before the enforcement action was carried out.
She assured residents that the state government would sustain the removal of illegal structures across Anambra in accordance with the provisions of the state’s physical planning laws.
Her advice to prospective developers was to obtain the necessary building plans and approvals before commencing construction.
“My advice is that before you embark on any development, get your building plan and go for approval by approaching any of our District Heads in the local government areas or the Ministry’s office,” she said.
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