Chinedum Treasure
Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, has intervened in the lingering development levy crisis between the Allied Building Materials Dealers Union and Nteje Community, Oyi Local Government Area.
The intervention followed a petition by the Union accusing the community leadership of collecting an exorbitant amount as development levy.
At a meeting with both parties held at the Commissioner’s Office, Ojukwu reiterated that it is against the law to demand community development levy from developers.
He said the state government frowns at the practice, which hinders development, affects ease of doing business and encourages youth idleness, describing the N900,000 levy per plot of land as exorbitant.
Ojukwu, who underscored the importance of attracting investors to the state, said some unwholesome practices by community leaders could chase developers away and deny communities the benefits of development.
He said the meeting should be rescheduled to find an amicable resolution, urging the parties to brainstorm on the way forward.
Contributing, the Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Mr. John Igbem, called for peaceful coexistence to attract development to the community.
He said the Allied Building Materials Dealers Market should be allowed to remain in Nteje and not be forced to relocate, noting that the development of Nteje is critical.
The Mayor, who blamed multiple sale of land by unscrupulous individuals for part of the challenges facing the community, called for an end to the crisis to pave way for progress and development.
Speaking at the meeting, the President General of Nteje Development Union (NDU), Mr. Osoluchukwu Nweke, said payment of the levy was in line with the community’s customary rites whenever land is purchased by developers in any of the three quarters of the community.
He explained that the practice had long been in existence, adding that neighbouring communities, including Awkuzu, Umueri, Umunya and Nkwelle Ezunaka, collect even higher amounts from developers.
He lamented that internal crisis had over the years slowed development in the community, disclosing that over 800 land-related issues had been received since he assumed office.
Nweke, however, expressed optimism that the meeting would yield a positive outcome that would protect everybody’s interest, adding that dialogue remains key to massive development of the area.
Some executive members of the Allied Building Materials Dealers Union, Nteje, including Mr. Nnaemeka Onuzulike and Mr. Ferdinand Uko, pleaded with the community leadership to receive them in good faith and in the spirit of brotherliness.
They also called for a review of the community development levy by stakeholders to enable them to carry on their business unhindered and undisturbed.
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