Tears as agency demolishes shanties, illegal structures in Onitsha
Scores of shanties and illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and hindering free flow of traffic in Onitsha, Anambra State, have been pulled down by Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA)
Scores of shanties and illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and hindering free flow of traffic in Onitsha, Anambra State, have been pulled down by Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade.
The operation, which is part of the agency’s coordinated demolition and environmental enforcement exercise, was carried out along the Upper Iweka and Uwangbede axis of Onitsha-Owerri Road in the commercial city.
Managing Director, OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, said the exercise was aimed at sanitising the area and discouraging residents, traders and developers from continuing dangerous and unlawful practice of building or operating businesses within restricted corridors.
He said the action was part of the agency’s responsibility to protect lives and public infrastructure, adding that illegal shanties erected on roadsides and public property were targeted.
Warning individuals and groups involved in illegal construction, roadside trading and encroachment on government land to desist forthwith, Anere stressed that such activities undermined public safety, obstructed traffic, damaged the environment and eroded the city’s orderliness.
He said: “Structures that pose serious safety risks to occupants and the public and all unauthorised structures were dismantled and removed, while street traders occupying roadways and pedestrian walkways were cleared to restore free movement for motorists and pedestrians.
“Government gardens and public spaces that had been encroached upon were recovered and sealed, to prevent further illegal occupation and land grabbing.
“The exercise was carried out peacefully and in line with the state government’s directive to sanitise and modernise the commercial city.”
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The agency boss expressed joy about the noticeable environmental improvement, better accessibility and more organised urban outlook the affected areas recorded at the end of the operation.
He assured residents that the agency would not relent in its mandate of restoring law and order in public places.
“The agency used the exercise to discourage traders, motorists and residents from building in unapproved locations, trading on roadways, blocking drainage channels or encroaching on public infrastructure.
“Government lands and public spaces are protected by law and must not be converted for private use. Future violations will attract strict enforcement actions.
“Compliance with approved building plans, designated trading areas and land-use regulations remains mandatory for all residents and business operators,” he said.
Victims of the demolition were seen evacuating remnants of their goods and other property as they lamented over losses incurred during the operation.
