Anambra Government Set to Collect Demolition Costs ‘Charges’ on Illegal Structure Owners

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State government says it would soon commence recovery of expenses incurred in course of carrying out demolition of illegal structures in the state.

Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB), Barr. Chike Maduekwe dropped the hint shortly after carrying out demolition exercise in Oba community in Idemili North local government area of the State.

Maduekwe decried the huge financial involvement in carrying out demolition exercise, warning that culprits would not only be arrested, but be made to pay for the expenses.

He said, “It costs government huge sum of money to carry out enforcement. From henceforth, we’ll apply the laws strictly. If you make us carry out the enforcement against you, we’ll have you arrested and charge you to court and recover the cost.

“You can see the number of machines and security personnel we went there with. Government needs money to carry out more important functions for the citizenry than following lawless people who refuse to do the right thing. 

“We’ve been there before to mark the illegal structures, yet many of them went ahead to continue building, just to test the waters and see what will happen.

“We carried out what we call symbolic demolition on the unapproved ones to give it human face and to inform the owners to come and do the needful. If they don’t, they will be brought down completely.

“If not for the heavy security we came with, this area would have been invaded by hired youths with motorcycles in their numbers to attack us.”

While reiterating government’s commitment to bequiting to the people of the State a safe, prosperous and green homeland, Maduekwe solicited for the corporation of the citizenry to achieve the dream.

He added, “Mr. Governor has repeatedly pledged his readiness to build a safe, prosperous and green homeland for the people of the State and he’s determined to do that with the cooperation of law abiding citizens.

“To all land developers, we want to inform them that the Ministry of Lands has issued a new policy that everyone carrying out any project on government land must get clearance letter from the ministry before commencement.

“The clearance letter will thereafter be approved by the physical planning board; otherwise such building will be declared illegal and brought down.

“Mr. Governor has given his full backing with the directive that all government lands are developed for the benefit of the people of the State.”