By Praise Chinecherem
About 150 illegal livestock shops have been demolished in Onitsha, Anambra state over failure to relocate to markets provided for them by the government.
The demolition which took place along Iweka – Ochanja road was carried out by joint task force from Onitsha South and North Local Government Areas.
The task force who stormed the area with bulldozers, cleared the blocked drainages caused by the traders doing business along the way.
Chairman, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Emeka Orji who led the operation, said the traders had earlier been issued with months of demand and quit notice, but they refused to comply with the order.
He said, “We gave them more time to relocate to the market provided for them but they were adamant about it so those days of grace have passed and we have to move in and do the needful.
“We got a temporary place at Akunnia Njoke street where they can stay and be doing their business but non of them relocated and we have no apologies for this action.
“They have messed up the place and they cause so much obstruction of traffic and whenever it rains the entire place becomes a sorry sight and this not what we want in Onitsha North and South local government areas.
“This demolition is a joint action by the two local government areas though the area is in Onitsha North local government area but we have to come together and work as a team.”
