Emma Elekwa
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) on Monday disclosed that over 500 illegal structures and shanties have been dismantled in the capital city since inception of the exercise.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko who disclosed this in a press briefing on its Operation Keep Awka Clean, a long standing environmental sanitation and enforcement initiative aimed at improving public safety, urban standards and aesthetic outlook of the State capital.
He explained that such structures pose serious security risks, obstruct walkways, drainages and public spaces and often serve as hideouts for criminal elements
“The operation is a continuous drive that has been ongoing for over three years, targeting the removal of illegal structures, shanties and other forms of environmental disorder within the city,” he said.
According to him, the enforcement exercise is designed to reposition Awka in line with acceptable urban planning standards, adding that a clean, orderly and well regulated environment is critical to public safety, ease of movement and economic activities.
He added, “ACTDA had provided alternative trading locations in strategic parts of the city to cushion the impact on traders affected by the exercise.
The Solution Arena
“For example, the Solution Arena along Abakaliki Street, where modern and organised open shops with public amenities have been developed to accommodate displaced traders.
“While the government remains sensitive to the economic realities facing residents, public infrastructure such as walkways, drainages and road setbacks must remain unobstructed.
“Designated open spaces have been secured to accommodate petty traders and tricycle operators as part of ongoing decongestion efforts.”
The ACTDA Boss further stressed that the exercise is not targeted at any individual or business, but is carried out in the overall interest of public order and environmental sustainability.
He reaffirmed commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to enforcing urban regulations with empathy, responsibility and fairness.
Also speaking, Head of ACTDA Development Control Unit, Mr. Charles Ekwunife, regretted that many traders, both indigenes and non-indigenes had continued to violate road setback regulations by displaying goods and erecting structures on pedestrian walkways and road.
“Despite repeated notices and previous enforcement exercises, offenders often return to road setbacks. ACTDA will sustain enforcement until all encroachments are removed across major and inner roads within Awka Capital Territory,” Ekwunife said.
