By Tony Ezike
Resource persons from the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority have ascribed lack of capital development and investment in the state to defiant attitude of residents who continues to erect illegal structures despite sustained awareness campaigns.
The ACTDA resource team disclosed this on Monday during an interactive session on Ogene 98.3 FM Enugwu-ukwu which is also located within the capital territory.
The team led by the Head Development Control Chief Charles Ekwunife expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of residents whose priorities seems to begin and end with business interests in utter disregard for sanitation and environmental considerations.
According to the ACTDA representatives, the agency which covers council areas and communities within 10km radius from the center was established in 2014 and charged with issues surrounding development control within the Awka Capital Territory.
The agency they said operates inline with legal procedures aimed at ensuring adequate implementation of building recommendations for sustainable development as well as enforcing compliance from the residents of the capital territory.
The group seized the opportunity to advice prospective builders of residential and commercial structures within the area to get in contact with the ACTDA development team in Awka for professional guidance, proper site assessment and most importantly to avoid possible demolition of their property due to noncompliance with official conditions for building approval.
Reacting to the request for increased beautification in view of giving the capital territory a facelift made by a caller who described himself as Eziokwubundu, Chief Ekwunife stated that the MD of ACTDA Hon Ossy Onuko has performed creditably well in terms of advocacy, road maintenance and demolition of structures jeopardizing effective development.
These interventions and achievements of Hon Ossy Onuko are in line with the vision and directives of Governor Chukwuma Soludo CFR towards building a livable smart city, as well as a prosperous homeland for Ndi Anambra, with the resources available to the agency, while expressing confidence in his ability to do more should his budget increase in time to come.
The lead discussant Chief Charles Ekwunife who heads the Development Control was accompanied to the programme by the Deputy Commander Enforcement Mr Ukachukwu Okonkwo and Protect Manager Mr Nonso Obi.
