Anambra state begins demolition of illegal structures

Following the spate of building collapse, the Anambra State Government, through the state Physical Planning Board, has begun ‘Operation Show Your Building Permit’ and the demolition of illegal structures across the state.

The Chairman and Managing Director of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Chike Maduekwe, disclosed this to journalists during the demolition of illegal structures at Ogbo-Oroma, off Port-Harcourt Road in Onitsha South Local Government Area of the state, on Friday.

Madueke added that staff of the ministry were harassed and threatened with miscreants when they came for their official assignment and were chased away.

He said, “A lot of people are taking the state government for granted by constructing buildings without permits. Most of the time, they avoid getting permits because the land is in dispute or they don’t have the proper documents.

“The government is there for the welfare of the people, developers must operate according to law from now on. Any building started without approval must be demolished because there have been enough signals and messages to the people but they kept ignoring them.

“We have commenced the exercise and will move to several places. There will be a lot of enforcement this week as directed by Mr Governor.”

The ASPPB chairman noted that defaulters would be arrested and charged in court, and that a window of August 1 to October 31 has been given as grace that will not attract a penalty.