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From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
No fewer than 280 illegal structures and five plazas built as shops have been demolished by the Anambra State government in Onitsha South Local Government Council.
The illegal structures were said to have been built on the water ways by traders who allegedly got the approval of the National Inland Water Ways (NIWA).
The area affected by the demolition include shops along drainage system, water ways and reiver banks at Freedom market known as Biafra Market.
Governor Soludo had during the inspection of roads constructed by his administration ordered the Onitsha South Local Government Chairman, Chief Emeka Orji to demolish all the illegal structures, noting that the land belongs to Anambra state.
“The code or bye laws establishing NIWA gave the organization 100 metres from the banks of the River Niger as right of easement but what we are seeing here are illegal structures and should be demolished” the governor said.
This development is coming as the state government has declared war on illegal structures following the collapse of a five storey building at Fegge in the same area.
While the demolition was going on, the Hausa Community in the area led by the Secretary of Hausa Community in Onitsha North local South local government areas Alhaji Ishawu Imam whose father is the Sariki of the Hausa Community expressed appreciation that the Council Chairman gave them time like other residents to remove their property .
According to him, Hausa Community in Onitsha South is happy with the developmental status of Soludo administration, pledging to continue to support him
The Chairman Onitsha South LGA, Chief Emeka Orji who was at the site to supervise the demolition, said that when he was sworn in as Council Chairman last year he issued notice to them to remove their belongings.
According to him, the notice was followed by series of follow up notices but they disobeyed .
“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.
The area according to Orji would be barricaded and cleared for the establishment of a Sea Side Resort which would have green park areas with umbrella trees for relaxation and amusement.
On the collapsed five storey building in the area ,Orji announced that most buildings currently under construction would be subjected to integrity test which includes material test, qualify test.
“Everywhere cannot be market in Onitsha and we have declared war on illegal structures and we shall ensure that the right thing should be done about building collapse in Onitsha South local government area” Orji said.
