The General Manager of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Hon Ifeanyi Abiakwume has explained the reasons why his office has in the past few months embarked on demolition of Illegal structures in the Owerri.
Speaking at a press briefing Organized by the his office, called he on the Nigerian Union of Journalists Imo chapter to help sensitize the citizens of the state on the exercise, Hon. Ifeanyi stated that His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha decided revisit the master plan of the Owerri capital territory.
He recalled that the master plan of Owerri capital was drawn in 1978 by then Governor of old Imo state Ndubuisi Kanu with the intention of having a twin city that comprises Owerri Municipal, Owerri West and North as well as some parts of Mbaitoli and Ngor Okpala LGA which covers a land mark of more than 78 kilometers referred as capital territory adding that the city should be accessible, orderly and good looking with a well organized eco-system that gives room for developmental projects that must be reviewed periodically.
However, the OCDA GM regretted that the past administrations failed to carry on with this vision, but the coming of Okorocha has seen the reawakening of the master plan which also accommodates the informal sector (street traders) and that when properly implemented the street traders will be provided a conducive place of operation as they are also an integral part of the states economy.
Clarifying some issue concerning the demolition of some houses inside the municipal areas, the GM noted that proper notice was issued to the owners of the affected property adding that the owners of the house at MCC by Wetheral Rd junction were asked to make a choice of were they want their house relocate.
He continued by saying that they met with them and that the family of Anyagwa chose to be relocated to the Egbeada Housing Estate but was asked to apply properly with the fee of 100,000.
On powers and duties, the GM also noted that OCDA’S involvement in municipal services is working with Transport Agencies to ensure orderly parking while Entraco deals with environmental structures and that offenders brought to the office will pay compensation charges which are also a source of revenue to the govt.
Finally, Hon Ifeanyi thanked the Journalists for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism with little resources. He described the press as the government in action but called on them to form partnership with OCDA in ensuring that the master plan of Owerri is properly implemented for economical and physical development of the state.
He therefore thanked the Governor for his visionary leadership stating that he has been working round the clock to make Imo better.
Present during the briefing were, Mr. Rufus Iheanacho (head of health Dpt.), Ahuwuike Innocent (incharge of Acct. dept), Mr. Paul Enyiama (EngDept), Ume Ukada (DATS), (Ugo Nnorom) (Health Dpt.) and Arlango Opara (PRO).
