Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has asked those who built on the path of Okpoko Sakamori and other drainages in Ogbaru, Onitsha North and South to urgently remove their structures.

 

The Governor made the plea at Onitsha South Local Government Area headquarters, during a meeting with landlords whose buildings have been marked for removal in the area.

Correspondent, Emmanuel Chigbata reports the Governor represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, directed residents to vacate and stop building on natural waterways noting that it poses a threat to the environment and humanity.

 

The Governor said the essence of the meeting was to dialogue with the landlords instead of applying force, assuring that the present government is determined to bring grassroots development to the people.

 

Governor Soludo, noted that the environment is threatened as a result of blocking the waterways which causes flooding and erosion.

He recalled how five United Bank of Africa staff were drowned in the area as a result of  blockage of waterways , assuring that his administration is poised to make Anambra a livable state devoid of environmental hazards.

 

The Chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barrister Chike Mmaduekwe, explained that the present government is not out to oppress anyone but to ensure the safety of the people, urging those whose houses have been marked for removal to urgently follow implementation.

 

The Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr Gideon Nwankwo, appealed to the government to ensure full implementation of the projects and remove all illegal structures, irrespective of political affiliation, status, brotherhood and denomination.

 

Some of the landlords including, Mr Uche Ogbuagu, and Chief Ikechukwu Odumegwu equally made their cases and appealed to the government to have consideration.