Emma Elekwa
Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB) has carried out demolition exercise in Oyi Local Government Area in furtherance to its statutory mandate to ensure strict compliance with physical planning laws and regulations.
The operation, carried out by the Board’s Enforcement Team, was conducted at Aniogazi, Ezinkwerre, Nkwerre Ezunaka, along Onitsha–Enugu Expressway.
One of the illegal structures demolished was an uncompleted structure and its perimeter fence, constructed without requisite government approval.
The team also pulled down a cooking gas plant unlawfully established within a fuel station in Abba town.
It insisted that the gas plant poses a grave danger to residents and the surrounding community.
An official of the Oyi Local Planning Authority (LPA), identified as Chuks, confirmed that the development lacked necessary approvals.
He said several visits by his Agency with conspicuous marking of “stop work” notices on the structure were willfully disregarded.
“The demolition is a direct consequence of persistent non-compliance with regulatory directives,” he noted.
Several buildings sealed
Similarly, the team sealed several buildings being constructed under high-tension electricity transmission lines, in contravention of the State’s building regulations.
The affected structures, located at Azu-Ogbunike along the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway near Tow Gate, Ogbunike, remain under seal, while developers have been directed to present valid evidence of approval at the ANSPPB headquarters in Awka.
Addressing reporters at the demolition site, Head of the Development Control Department (DCD), ANSPPB Headquarters, Mrs Ngozi Chukwudi said the Board had received multiple petitions concerning the gas plant.
“A removal advanced notice was duly served on the proprietor. Upon the expiration of all statutory notices, and in consideration of overriding public safety concerns, demolition became the only recourse available to the Board,” she explained.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Nicholas Umenyi, a resident of Abba town praised State Government’s timely intervention.
“We lived under constant apprehension of a potential disaster. With this decisive action, residents can now enjoy peace of mind. Thanks to the Soludo-led administration for its prompt response,” he said.
