Operation Show Your Building Permit: Anambra Government Demolishes Illegal Structures In Nawfia, Abagana, Onitsha

By Emmanuel Okonkwo

Buildings and shops allegedly constructed in violation of Anambra State physical planning regulations in Afor market Nawfia, Oye-Agu Abagana and Odoakpu Onitsha have received their share in the ongoing demolition of illegal structures across the state, “Operation Show Your Building Permit”, and “Zero Shanties”.

The demolition which is in line with the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as part of his administration’s urban regeneration agenda, saw buildings and shops without permits, as well as shanties in those areas pulled down by officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Speaking to Journalists during the exercise, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu represented by the Head of Development Control, Ngozi Okwudili, said the demolition followed due process, noting that the affected developers had been served notices repeatedly before the action.

According to him, one of the structures at Afor Market, Nawfia, was erected without provision for the required parking space, while the plaza at Oye-Agu Market, Abagana, was constructed without the Ministry’s approval.

Commissioner Ojukwu disclosed that the enforcement at Odoakpu Onitsha followed a report from a concerned citizen that a three-storey building had allegedly been constructed on an access road without the required setback.

He warned that the state government would sustain the removal of illegal structures across Anambra in accordance with the provisions of the state’s physical planning laws.

Barrister Ojukwu then advised prospective developers in the state to obtain the necessary building plans and approvals before commencing construction, to avoid demolition upon completion.