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No fewer than 300 illegal structures and five plazas built as shops were on Monday, March 11, demolished in Onitsha, Anambra State by the Onitsha South Local Government Council.
The demolition followed Sunday’s collapse of a five-storey building in Fegge in the commercial city of the state.
The illegal structures were reportedly constructed by traders who purportedly obtained approval from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Governor Chukwuma Soludo stated that NIWA lacks the authority to authorize the construction or allocation of spaces to traders.
Soludo had, during the inspection of roads ordered the chairman of Onitsha South local government, Emeka Orji to demolish the illegal structures which he said belonged to the state and not NIWA.
The governor said: “The code or by-laws establishing NIWA gave the organization 100 metres from the banks of the River Niger as the right of easement but what we are seeing here are illegal structures and should be demolished.”
The area which spans up to two acres of land is located on the fringe of the River Niger housing shanty settlements of street urchins credited to be harbingers of hoodlums.
Reacting, the Hausa Community in the area led by its Secretary in Onitsha North and South local government areas, Alhaji Ishawu Imam whose father is Sariki of the Hausa Community lauded the Council Chairman for giving them time to move out of their property.
Imam said: “We’re happy with the developmental status of the Soludo-led administration. We pledge continued support to the government.”
Onitsha South LGA boss, Orji who was at the site to supervise the demolition said the area would be barricaded and cleared for the establishment of Sea Side Resort which would have green park areas with umbrella trees for relaxation and amusement.
He added: “When I was sworn in as Council Chairman last year I came here and issued them notice to move out and the notice was followed by a series of follow-up notices but they remained here.
“Then last week Mr Governor came here and told them that this place is not for shops or markets and ordered me to demolish the area but I gave them another one-week notice which ended today,” he said.
Orji further announced that most buildings currently under construction would be subjected to integrity tests, namely material tests, and qualify test, adding that after meeting with the Chairman, the Physical Planning Board in Awka, the government would commence the process.
“Everywhere cannot be market in Onitsha and we have declared war on illegal structures and we shall ensure that right things are done about building collapse in Onitsha South local government area.”
