Some of the shops demolished by Anambra Govt at the weekend
The Anambra State Government has demolished over 200 makeshift shops and structures blocking road setbacks in Ozubulu and Nnewi.
During the demolition exercise carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, some of the traders pleaded with the government to provide them with alternative places to relocate their businesses, as many complained of their inability to afford the high cost of rent in the major markets.
At the Ugwuoye Market axis in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, about 100 shanties attached to the wall of the popular Joint Hospital were demolished amid panic among the occupants.
About 100 makeshift and illegal shops were also demolished at Traffic Light Nnewi, in line with the Operation Zero Shanties introduced by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration. A two-storey building built on top of a drainage channel was also pulled down around the Nkwor Nnewi Triangle.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Chijioke Ojukwu, said the exercise was part of the government’s effort to evolve a prosperous, liveable homeland that everyone will be proud of. Mr Ojukwu said the government received several complaints from some members of the public over the defacing of the Joint Hospital axis by illegal structures and shanties.
He confirmed that the occupants were issued proper notification at different times and warned that the state will no longer tolerate the situation where government directives are not adhered to, especially as regards physical planning. Mr Ojukwu noted that the ministry was serious about urban regeneration and restoring sanity to the major cities across the state.
