Anambra Commences Demolition of Illegal Structures

Anambra State Government has commenced the demolition of illegal structures on drainage channels and water-ways in Onitsha and environs. Governor Peter Obi who personally supervised the exercise at the weekend said it was part of measures to protect the area from adverse effect of flood this year as predicted by weather experts.

Governor Obi said exercise would be extended to all parts of the State and would involve demolition and removal of all illegal structures on water channels including those that passed through markets.He explained that government is leaving no stone unturned in opening up blocked drains and cleaning up the entire environment and recover roads encroached upon by land speculators and developers. He also warned that street trading and indiscriminate dumping of refuse would include arrest of those involved.

Regretting the lives lost in the last torrential rainfall, he said government was not prepared to lose any more life to flood this year and recalled that Onitsha is on top of the list of cities that will be heavily flooded this year.

Governor Obi regretted that in spite of consistent efforts by government to upgrade infrastructure in the area and huge resources spent on constructing adequate drainage system to ensure free flow of flood, people have continue to frustrate the initiative by blocking the drains with illegal structures and refuse.

He promised that government would assist those affected to relocate to better areas and continue with their source of livelihood.

The Transition Committee Chairman, Onitsha South, Mr. Ugochukwu Ezeani urged the people to comply with the government directive and support in opening of the drains to avoid ugly consequences.