By Ikemefuna Asika, Awka
The Anambra State government says it will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any staff that connives with wealthy individuals to obtain illegal building approvals.
The Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Mr Chike Mmaduekwe stated this while speaking with journalists shortly after the agency demolished some illegal structures in Onitsha and environs.
Speaking on the exercise, Mr Mmaduekwe regretted that some wealthy individuals had continued to build structures at various locations across the State without the approvals of the Physical Planning Authority in the State.
According to him, the law states that even if one wants to modify an existing building or add anything, such developer must obtain permit from relevant government authorities before doing such to avoid such development posing danger to the people.
Mmaduekwe said henceforth the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo would no longer tolerate such as plans had been concluded to commence prosecution of such persons irrespective of their caliber.
He also hinted that the governor had advised all staff of the agency not to be involved in issuing or aiding illegal approvals of any sort, as anyone involved will not only loose his/her job but will also face shaming and prosecution.
The Chairman hinted that government had acquired fifty meters on each side of the road leading to the Anambra International Airport Umueri with the intention of planting trees and beautifying it to standard.
He therefore enjoined developers on that axis to adhere to the development plan of the area as government has also concluded plans to pay compensation to all those who are within the setback of fifty meters along the airport road.
The enforcement team of the agency amongst others demolished a makeshift structure attached to an existing building at Marine market Onitsha for not having approval, makeshift shops attached to a building along Oseokwodu market road for not adhering to earlier warnings to remove the structure.
Also demolished was a drainage channel allegedly constructed by some youths along Azu Ogbunike, Ozze Nkwele Ezunaka road where it was gathered that they were already selling the remaining portions of the road to unsuspecting members of the public.
Some traders and residents of Onitsha and environs commended the present administration for taking it up to make the State a conducive, Liveable, Green , Mega City against all odds.
