Anambra demolishes illegal structures, shanties in Onitsha

The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, otherwise known as the OCHA Brigade, has carried out a coordinated demolition and environmental enforcement exercise along the Upper Iweka and Uwangbede axis of the Onitsha-Owerri Road in the commercial city of Onitsha.

During the operation on Monday, the agency demolished several shanties and illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and hindering the free flow of traffic.

It was gathered that the exercise was aimed at sanitising the area and discouraging residents, traders and developers from continuing the dangerous and unlawful practice of building or operating businesses within restricted corridors.

Speaking during the exercise, the Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, said the action was part of the agency’s responsibility to protect lives and public infrastructure, adding that illegal shanties erected on roadsides and public property were targeted.

Anere also issued a firm warning to individuals and groups involved in illegal construction, roadside trading and encroachment on government land, noting that such activities undermine public safety, obstruct traffic, damage the environment and erode the city’s orderliness.

He said, “Structures that pose serious safety risks to occupants and the general public and all unauthorised structures were dismantled and removed, while street traders occupying roadways and pedestrian walkways were cleared to restore free movement for motorists and pedestrians.

“Government gardens and public spaces that had been encroached upon were recovered and sealed to prevent further illegal occupation and land grabbing.

The exercise was carried out peacefully and in line with the state government’s directive to sanitise and modernise the commercial city.

He said that at the end of the operation, the affected areas recorded noticeable environmental improvement, better accessibility and a more organised urban outlook.

“The agency used the exercise to discourage traders, motorists and residents from building in unapproved locations, trading on roadways, blocking drainage channels or encroaching on public infrastructure.

“Government lands and public spaces are protected by law and must not be converted for private use, future violations will attract strict enforcement actions.

“Compliance with approved building plans, designated trading areas and land-use regulations remains mandatory for all residents and business operators,” he added.

He further assured residents that the agency would not relent in its mandate to restore law and order in public places.

PUNCH Online had reported on February 10 that the OCHA Brigade carried out a similar enforcement exercise in and around Mgbuka Obosi Market in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, where several shanties and illegal structures located directly under high-tension cables were demolished.

The exercise was also aimed at sanitising the area and discouraging residents, traders and developers from operating within restricted power line corridors.