Stop debasing Anambra capital with illegal buildings, Authority to residents
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), has called on residents to stop the practice of defacing the state’s capital city with illegal structures.
Mr Charles Ekwunife, the Head of Development Control Unit, ACTDA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday.
He said the call was necessary as many residents were in the habit of erecting illegal structures under high tension power lines and in close proximity to residential buildings.
Ekwunife explained that the authority had started the demolition of illegally- built structures defacing the state.
He added that the government was concerned about the aesthetic and environmental standards of the state capital and its environs.
“We have initiated efforts to remove shanties and other structures which do not meet the beautification specification of the capital territory and its environs.
“Our goal is to provide a safer environment for residents and visitors of the state.
“We need a friendly environment that may attract tourists and business experts to the state,” he said.
Ekwunife urged the public to always construct standard buildings in safer locations, and ensure compliance with urban development regulations to avoid economic waste.
He said that in spite of government warnings against erecting illegal structures, some residents kept erecting shanties defacing the fine design of the city.
“ACTDA had repeatedly notified shop owners to desist from erecting buildings in these hazardous areas, but regretted that in spite of these warnings, numerous structures remained, prompting the current demolition exercise.
“We are going to be more stringent in our operation to seriously stop the activities of these unpatriotic citizens, ’’he said.
Ekwunife said that the spaces kept by government for the proposed establishment of a pipe-borne water system, which would serve the community’s needs, was being discredited.
“We cannot deny majority of our people improved infrastructure and a better quality of life, just because of the unlawful actions of a few individuals.
