By Ruth Orji
The Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development continued its urban regeneration enforcement on July 21 in Aguluzuigbo, Anocha Local Government Area.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Head of Development Control, Ngozi Okwudili, condemned the increasing cases of land grabbing and violations of planning regulations across the state.
Okwudili explained that a fence was demolished in Ifite Aguluzuigbo because it blocked an access road leading to a residential house, making the enforcement necessary.
She added that land grabbing and failure to observe approved building setbacks remain major challenges affecting orderly physical development across the state.
The enforcement team also marked illegal structures and shanties from Agulu to Ekwulobia for encroaching on pedestrian spaces and utility walkways .
According to Okwudili, the required 42.5-metre road dimension setback was not maintained after the construction of the roads prompting the action to prepare the corridor for government pedestrian walkway projects.
In the same vein, the team also inspected the ongoing building projects at Nawfia Market and Ekwulobia Roundabout, where construction allegedly continued without the required planning approvals and building permits.
Okwudili reiterated that no building should begin without official approval, saying that the law applies equally to individuals, organisations, and government agencies.
Ruth is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation.
