Anambra Government Set to Demolish 40 buildings at Awka Timber Market

By Praise Chinecherem

No fewer than 40 buildings undergoing construction at the Building Materials Market (Timber shade) Umuokpu Awka have been marked for demolition.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi who disclosed this while visiting the market in company of Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Barr Amaechi Okwuosa, said the buildings and other structures have no master plans and were erected without official approval from relevant authorities.

He said, “I received several reports from some citizens of Anambra on the happenings around them especially as it concerns illegal structures in their markets, and this is in line with the Governor’s statement “if you see something, say something”.

“Based on the information, we visited the timber market. The buildings have no minimum standard requirements that are supposed to be in any market, with no consideration at all for toilet facilities.”

According to the Commissioner, some traders while in a conversation revealed that the market executives conspired with some politicians to sell off some portions of the market spaces to developers at the rate of 30, 40, or 50 million naira each. 

He regretted that the leadership of the market who were expected to work in partnership with government to modernize the market have proved to be a big disappointment.

On his part, M/D of ACTDA Barr. Amaechi Okwuosa who ordered the illegal buildings be marked for demolition, gave owners seven days to provide the master plan and approval for other structures. 

“The master plans will inform the decision on the areas that are in violation, and the extent of demolition to be carried out. 

“Failure to comply with the directives, we are going to remove whatever structure that has been marked”, he added.