Anambra State Government says it will not back down from demolishing shanties and illegal structures that deface Awka Capital City and the adjoining towns.
This is part of efforts at beautifying and promoting the aesthetics of the capital territory as well as keeping the state clean.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Venerable Amaechi Okwuosa made this known while briefing newsmen in Awka.
Okwuosa observed that some developers erect structures without recourse to regulation, blocking drainages and causing obstruction to free flow of water.
The ACTDA boss vowed to continue to remove illegal structures as one of the options to check erosion in the city.
According to him, Anambra is battling erosion as a result of the illegal structures, most of which have claimed lives and the state government is initiating measures at checking the menace and recovering lands being subsumed.
“We cannot tolerate such illegal acts to the detriment of our loved ones. We advise prospective builders to visit ACTDA office or relevant agencies for a proper guideline,” Amaechi noted.
He revealed that it is the vision of the state government, under the leadership of Gov. Willie Obiano is to transform Anambra, especially Awka City into a Smart City.
“With this vision, we are working towards that direction and it is our desire is to turn Awka into a modern City and an enviable town. But developers have a major role to play by ensuring that their developments conform to standards. It is not our intent to demolish people’s property but we cannot sacrifice our people’s wellbeing on the altar of personal interest,” the ACTDA boss reiterated.
Okwuosa said the ACTDA has simplified approval processes that hitherto proved very cumbersome for developers, in its bid to encourage them to do the right thing.
