Enugu begins demolition of illegal buildings, structures

Posted by African Examiner Enugu, Ignatius Okpara, News Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

Enugu state government has commenced demolition of illegal buildings and structures within Enugu metropolis.
Engr. Ike Ugwuegede, the commissioner in charge of the Enugu Capital Development Authority (ECDA), told newsmen in Enugu Tuesday that the exercise was ongoing and that notices have been issued to affected owners of such structures.

According to the commissioner, the exercise was aimed at giving Enugu capital territory a befitting facelift it deserves.
He listed some of the areas to be affected to include the City Layout, illegal mechanic villages and all structures built on rail tracks and designated pathways.

The commissioner regretted that although the government was aware of the difficulties the affected persons may undergo, he nonetheless expressed the determination of government to carry on with the exercise.

His words: “Notices were copiously given to the affected for more than 12 months and there have been series of dialogue between government and owners of illegal structures but each time they will ask for time,” said the commissioner.
He however, referred to the demolition of the 829 stalls at the Old Park, which displaced over 3000 traders as an example of government’s determination to restructure Enugu for good.

While advising people to always conform with government approvals and specifications in erecting structures, he explained that the purpose of stopping defective buildings was to avoid destruction of lives and property.

The commissioner, had cited example with the building that collapsed in Enugu last Saturday, insisting that government had given several copious orders stopping the construction but the builders defiantly continued.

“The builder did not obey the rules. And the result was that he was caught up by his stubbornness and mischief. Government stopped him in 2011 but he clandestinely went ahead to continue.”