ANAMBRA GOVT RECLAIMS ABA PARK ONITSHA, PULLS DOWN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES

BY SUNNY A. DAVID / ONITSHA

Anambra State government has pulled down adjoining walls and shanties blocking buildings on the Onitsha-Owerri road.

The state government has also sealed off and reclaimed Aba Park in Onitsha.

Our correspondent was there reports that the demolition took place during an operation to rid Onitsha and environs of activities of illegal occupants who hid behind the walls to unleash mayhem on residents and passers-by.

Men of the state Physical Planning Board led by its Executive Chairman, Barrister Chike Maduekwe, with security operatives stormed the area located at Upper Iweka, Onitsha.

Barrister Maduekwe, who described the exercise as a security operation, explained that the move became necessary as the structures contravened the State’s Building Policy, adding that the action was in line with the board’s mandate.

While pointing out that security was of utmost importance to the Obiano administration, Barrister Mmaduekwe warned that such illegal structures in any part of the state which had become a den of criminals would not be allowed to stand.

A Transporter, Mr. Kenneth Obi, explained that robbery, phone snatching and other criminal activities were at the peak in the area, adding that most times the hoodlums escaped on sighting the police.

He commended the Anambra state government for the operation as the place was now free, open and bare for people to see the goings on at all times.

Also speaking, one of the illegal occupants, Mrs. Nwanneka Okey, a shop owner, asked government to provide an alternative place for them to stay as they were not given enough information and notice.

She, however, noted that the place had been in a sorry state and expressed optimism that the move would restore lasting security to the area.

Some people living and trading in the area who spoke to newsmen off camera for fear of being attacked by the hoodlums, said they had laid several complaints to security operatives in the past on the activities of criminals in the area.