Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, will soon see the start of the demolition of unauthorized buildings, according to the state government.
While briefing reporters in Abakaliki, Mr. Sunday Inyima, commissioner for capital city development, made the announcement, explaining that all buildings constructed without specified physical planning criteria will be included in the category of affected residential and commercial properties.
The exercise was scheduled to begin on February 15 by Inyima, who also made note of the state government’s dedication to promote good governance for the people.
“I am writing to advise the public that beginning on February 15, the State Ministry of Capital City Development will begin demolishing unauthorized constructions within Abakaliki.
Illegal buildings near Water Works Road and the Hausa Quarters Area would be the starting point for the exercise.
Our recommendation is that the developers and property owners take immediate action to demolish the structures in question.
We have communicated with the Hausa people. They have promised to assist the government in removing them on their own and are thus complying.
“All the slums and other informal business centres in those areas will also be affected,” he further stated.
The commissioner explained that the exercise was conducted with the goal of facilitating the capital city’s street planning and aesthetic improvement.
The government’s goal, according to Inyima, is for Abakaliki to mirror the cleanliness and beauty of other major cities in the country.