Anambra State Government on Wednesday continued its development control efforts along Airport Road, Nteje in Oyi Council Area of the State.
Among structures demolished during the exercise carried out by the State Joint Enforcement Taskforce on Illegal Buildings, with the support of security personnel, were fences that violated the 50 meters setback from the road.
It was observed that the State Physical Planning Board, ANSPPB, had issued demolition notice to the owners of the structures, as markings on the walls showed the dates they were formally communicated to stop further development.
Recall that the taskforce had earlier last month, demolished some of the fences and structures erected on the roads.
It was however a surprise that people were still building against government directive, resulting in the demolition exercise.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the ANSPPB, Barr Chike Maduekwe said the exercise is in line with the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, that legal structures be removed, particularly near the Airport.
He also noted that Government had given a directive that individuals who own property along the road should maintain a 50-metre spacing away from the road, as the Airport road has been acquired for overriding public interest.
“There have been demolition here two years ago. Sometime last month, we were also here to carry out enforcement.
“We also marked the structures several times but we noticed that people are still building.
“It is important to inform the people that government holds all lands in trust for the people and can reclaim any for overriding public interest. In this case, the state government wants to have a boulevard that will provide an aesthetic scenery immediately one is entering the state from the airport.
“So, we are here to ensure that owners of property here comply with government directive,” he said.
According to Maduekwe, government had also given directive for the erring individuals to be arrested and charged to court for violating Government order, as government cannot continue to undertake the huge cost of carrying out the enforcement activities as a result of deliberate violation of building laws.
Maduekwe highlighted that government intends planting trees on both sides of the road to give the airport road, the beautiful look it deserves as people will be making use of the road during the yuletide season of Christmas.
The ANSPPB Chairman called on those whose property were affected by the new plan of the state government, to remain law abiding, as Government has earmarked compensation for them.
He said; “We are appealing to ANAMBRA people, those whose properties have been affected. They know that Government has acquired it. Government has paid compensation. Anybody coming here to put up anything is trying to test the will of Government and they will be brought to face the full embrace of the law.”
