As Demolition of shanties begins in November
By Okey Maduforo
All markets and plazas in Anambra State that fail to clear drains and water channels in front of their premises will be sealed off, according to the state government. Through the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade), the government has issued a seven-day ultimatum for market, park, and plaza owners to clean up their premises.
Additionally, the state government has confirmed that it will proceed with the mass demolition of shanties along the Awka-Onitsha Expressway, despite allegations that Ocha Brigade officials have been extorting money from shanty owners. The Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Mr. Celestine Anere, dismissed these claims, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to environmental enforcement.
“We have issued a third reminder to all markets and plazas to clear their gutters and drains. This seven-day ultimatum is final, and any market or plaza that fails to comply will be sealed off indefinitely,” Anere stated. “We must enforce our environmental laws, and we are not backing down.”
Anere also warned against fraudulent individuals claiming to be agency staff who extort money from shanty owners along the expressway. “This is not true, and we won’t be blackmailed. We’ve received machinery, trucks, and tippers for the demolition exercise. I will personally oversee the operation, and anyone attempting to extort money should be reported and photographed,” he added.
According to an earlier release by Anere, affected traders are advised to remove illegal structures and relocate goods before the demolition commences. “The State Government intends to clear the entire stretch of road from the Amansea axis of the Federal Highway down to Bridgehead, Onitsha, of all shanties and attachments along both sides of the Enugu-Onitsha road,” he explained.
Traders along this stretch have been urged to begin dismantling and evacuating any structures on the road. “The State Government will not hesitate to take strict action against anyone defying this directive,” Anere concluded.
