Anambra demolishes illegal structures

Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB) has carried out demolition in Oyi Local Government, targeted at ensuring compliance with physical planning laws and regulations.

The operation, carried out by the Enforcement Team, was conducted at Aniogazi, Ezinkwerre and Nkwerre Ezunaka, along Onitsha–Enugu Expressway.

One of the structures demolished was an uncompleted building and its perimeter fence, both built without requisite government approval.

Also pulled down was a cooking gas plant unlawfully established within a fuel station in Abba town, posing danger to residents and neighbouring community.

An official of Local Planning Authority (LPA), who simply identified himself as Chuks, confirmed that the structures lacked approvals.

He said several visits to the site by the agency with conspicuous marking of “stop work” notices on the structure were disregarded.

“The demolition is a direct consequence of persistent non-compliance with regulatory directives,” he noted.

Similarly, the team sealed off several buildings under construction sited under high tension electricity transmission lines, in contravention of the state’s building regulations.

The affected structures, located at Azu-Ogbunike along Onitsha–Enugu Expressway, near Tow Gate, Ogbunike, remain under seal, while developers have been directed to present valid evidence of approval at the ANSPPB headquarters in Awka.

Addressing reporters at the demolition site, Head of the Development Control Department (DCD), ANSPPB headquarters, Mrs Ngozi Chukwudi, said the board had received multiple petitions concerning the gas plant.

“A removal advanced notice was duly served on the proprietor. Upon expiration of all statutory notices, and in consideration of overriding public safety concerns, demolition became the only recourse available to the board,” she said.

 Reacting to the development, Nicholas Umenyi, a resident of Abba town, praised government’s timely intervention.

“We lived under constant fear of potential disaster. With this decisive action, residents can now enjoy peace of mind. Thanks to the Soludo-led administration for its prompt response,” he said.