ACTDA Embarks On Demolition of Illegal Structures
By Chidinma Olivia Patrick, Awka
In a bid to make Awka, which is the capital city of Anambra State a better place and give it the face it deserves, Governor Chukwuma Soludo in conjunction with various agencies and ministries in the state are going all out to make that dream a reality.
Awka city has witnessed a series of change within the past few weeks ranging from road construction to demolition of shops and kiosks perceived to be causing obstructions.
Earlier this week, small business owners in Ifite had their shops demolished by officials of the Awka Capital Territory Development (ACTDA). In an interview with one of the traders who prefers to be called Nwanyi Provision, “We were informed since last year that our shops would be demolished. However, we didn’t expect them to come without another warning. If they had passed another notice, then someone like me would have at least found somewhere to keep my goods. It is not easy to get a shop here in Awka. Everything is costly here.”
In another episode of the demolition saga today May 24, 2023, traders using kiosks and containers as their shops as well as those who have outlets in front of their shops where they display goods in Eke Oyibo Park, as well as those staying along Amawbia express road, witnessed destruction and demolition of their kiosks and properties.
This act came as a surprise to those inside Eke Oyibo Park cause according to most of the traders, the notice was given to them just two days ago, and as such were not expecting the sudden demolition.
Mrs Obianuju whose container containing her goods was destroyed, expressed her displeasure with this development, “How am I expected to find a shop in 2 days? I know Soludo has good plans for ndi Anambra, but can he not see that we are suffering already and everybody needs time to adjust to all these development plans. Where do I go from here?”
Development is a good and welcomed development. However, in the midst of economic hardship and life challenges bedevilling Nigeria at the moment, there should be set out strategies to cushion the effects of Development on the people.
The safety, and comfortability of Ndi Anambra as well as their alleviation from poverty should come first before any Development plan.
