Mass Demolition of buildings said to be illegal and distorting the city master plan are on the verge of being demolished soonest.
This measure is in line with the Imo State Executive Council’s “Operation New Imo” geared towards restoring the beauty of the city.
As part of plans to ensure the enforcement of the demolition exercise, the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Owerri Capital Development Authority, (OCDA) yesterday, warned owners of illegal structures to remove them before OCDA begins bulldozing such buildings and structures.
Conducting journalists to see structures earmarked for demolition, the General Manager, OCDA, Iheanyi Abaekwume, said the demolition exercise is geared towards achieving Accelerated City Beautification Programme of the state.
He explained that owners of illegal structures will not be compensated, as the Commission will not reward illegality, stressing that only those who built legal structures will be attended to. He stated the OCDA is determined to achieve its purpose, aims and objectives and will ensure that no stone is left unturned.
Abaekwume said a city devoid of illegal structures will reduce traffic congestion, restore the beauty of Owerri city and above all ensure the economy of the city thrives. At Amakohia, he pointedly said the warehouse and a mechanic village located within the area will go as it is sited on a Northern Median Tangent. He said such structures are not on the master plan of the city as the state Government intends to construct a new road from the area to connect Owerri Onitsha road.
The OCDA GM, said Ejims Sawmill, located along Owerri-Aba road, will also be demolished to reclaim the green verge which is putting pressure on the asphalt of the road. He also visited New Market shopping plaza, advising traders who are plying their trade illegally to leave.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Lands and Housing, Chief Uche Nwosu, said no economy thrives in an atmosphere of unplanlessness. He said “Operation New Imo” is aimed at rescuing the state from deluge of illegal structures that has distorted the master plan of the city.
He said this measure is in line with the Rescue Mission of the Rochas Okorocha administration aimed at restoring the glory and beauty of Owerri city.
Nwosu said the state government has provided Naze Industrial Area for artisans to carry on with their occupation, adding that the exercise is not geared towards inflicting pain on the citizenry.
