Anambra Intensifies Enforcement Against Land Grabbing, Illegal Structures
Awka, Anambra State
The Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has intensified enforcement against land grabbing, illegal structures and violations of approved planning regulations across the state.
The latest enforcement exercise was carried out on Tuesday, July 21, in Aguluzuigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area.
Speaking after the exercise, the Head of Development Control, Ngozi Okwudili, condemned the increasing cases of land grabbing and disregard for physical planning regulations, describing them as major obstacles to orderly development.
Okwudili explained that a fence in Ifite Aguluzuigbo was demolished after it was found to be blocking an access road leading to a residential building.
The enforcement team also marked illegal structures and shanties along the Agulu to Ekwulobia corridor for allegedly encroaching on pedestrian spaces and utility walkways.
According to the Head of Development Control, the required 42.5 metre road dimension setback was not maintained after the construction of the roads. She said the enforcement was necessary to prepare the corridor for proposed government pedestrian walkway projects.
The team further inspected ongoing construction projects at Nawfia Market and Ekwulobia Roundabout, where some developments were allegedly being carried out without the required planning approvals and building permits.
Okwudili reiterated that no building project should commence without the necessary government approval, stressing that the law applies equally to individuals, organisations and government agencies.
She said the enforcement exercise would continue as part of the state government’s efforts to promote orderly physical development, protect public spaces and ensure compliance with approved planning standards.
Ichie Times understands that the latest exercise forms part of the state government’s broader urban regeneration efforts aimed at creating a more orderly, accessible and properly planned environment across Anambra State.
