By Alufo Bonaventure
Residents of Nnewi have thrown their support behind the ongoing urban renewal exercise by the Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, which involves the marking of shanties, illegal structures and dilapidated buildings for removal across the commercial city.
The exercise, led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke O. Ojukwu, covered several key areas, including Onitsha Road, Anaedo Hall Road, Hundred Foot Road, Ezenwaegwu Road, Post Office area, Nkwo axis and other locations within the metropolis.
Many residents, traders and property owners who witnessed the exercise described the government’s action as timely and necessary, noting that the removal of illegal structures would enhance public safety, improve traffic flow, restore environmental sanitation and improve the city’s aesthetics.
Speaking during the exercise, Mr. Chinedu Okoye, a trader at Nkwo Triangle, expressed strong support for the initiative.
“For years, these shanties have obstructed drainage channels and contributed to environmental degradation in this area. We support the government’s action because it will restore order and improve the business environment,” he said.
Also lending her voice, a property owner along Hundred Foot Road, who preferred anonymity, said some of the marked structures had become safety hazards.
“One of the dilapidated buildings marked for removal could collapse at any time if urgent action is not taken. Government is saving lives through this exercise, and we hope the effort will be sustained,” she said.
Addressing affected property owners, Barr. Ojukwu explained that the exercise was in line with the urban regeneration agenda of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and serves as formal notice ahead of the planned demolition of illegal and unsafe structures after the expiration of the stipulated deadline.
According to the commissioner, the state government is preparing to commence major redevelopment projects in the Nnewi Triangle area within the coming weeks, including the completion of the long-abandoned Nnewi Mall project.
He disclosed that the governor’s vision for the area includes the development of a modern central bus terminal and recreational facilities as part of a broader master plan to transform Nnewi into a more organized and economically vibrant city.
“We have begun issuing notices, and at the expiration of the stipulated period, all identified illegal structures and shanties will be removed,” Ojukwu said.
“My appeal to those affected is to understand that urban regeneration often comes with temporary inconveniences, but ultimately serves the greater public interest.
“It is no longer business as usual. Anambra State has adequate laws regulating physical planning and development, and everyone must comply with the provisions of the law going forward,” he added.
The exercise forms part of the Soludo administration’s ongoing efforts to promote orderly development, improve infrastructure and create a cleaner, safer and more attractive urban environment across Anambra State.
Alufo Bonaventure is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
