DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IS TO MAKE ONITSHA A LIVABLE CITY — GOV SOLUDO

REPORTER: BEN ILECHUKWU

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has assured the residents of the state of his administration’s resolve to restore law and order as part of measures aimed at building a liveable and prosperous homeland.

Professor Soludo, who stated this during a press briefing at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, noted that the demolition of illegal structures on waterways in Onitsha and its environs was still an ongoing process aimed at ensuring the restoration of the master plan of Onitsha, which had been badly distorted.

Governor Soludo explained that prior to the demolition, the structures were marked since April 2022, and that owners of those illegal structures were served sufficient notices even as townhall meetings were held to sensitise the defaulters on the essence of the exercise.

Governor Soludo reemphasized that the exercise was to recover Onitsha and other parts of the state to a green, clean and liveable smart city, which was part of his campaign promises.

The Governor also expressed worry that the blockage of drainage channels, had resulted in floods leading to the loss of property worth millions of naira and loss of lives due to the havoc caused by flood.

Professor Soludo explained that the exercise would cost the state millions of naira to execute, warning that severe consequences must be meted out to offenders for such actions.

The Anambra State Governor pointed out that in as much as the exercise was not targetted at any section of people or to witch- hunt anybody, the end result would be beneficial to everyone.

The Governor observed that he expected strict compliance from the people of the state and vowed that any form of impunity would be fought to a standstill.

He observed that other buildings, shanties and two Catholic Churches and a Pentecostal Church buildings along the drainage channels had all complied with the demolition.

The Governor, however, stressed his administration’s determination to restore peace and security to the area, through a reformed security architecture, lauding the law enforcement for their efforts so far.

He, however, admonished them to treat every citizen with every sense of decency while carrying out their statutory duties.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU