The
demolition of illegal structures on the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway by the Anambra
State Government has displaced some sex workers.
Also
dislodged by the demolition were some urchins believed to specialise in
snatching people’s personal effects in the area.
Speaking
with Southern City News on Friday, the leader of the sex workers in the area,
who identified herself as Linda, berated the state governor, Chief Willie
Obiano, for approving the demolition.
She
said, “So, this place has suddenly become ‘illegal structures’? This was
where we voted for Obiano in the November 18 election.
“Why
didn’t they demolish the so-called shanties before the election? The governor
did not even consider giving us a notice before carrying this action. This is
inhuman. We are human beings and we have the rights to shelter.
“But
one thing is clear, nobody can force us out of this place. We shall obtain
approved plans and build here. Nobody can render us homeless and jobless.”
The
demolished structures cut across both lanes of the highway in the toll gate
area of the commercial city.
The
state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, directed the Physical Planning Board, Head
of Development Control, Army, Police, the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra
Brigade among others, to rid the state of illegal structures and shanties. The
Security Adviser to the governor, Chief Chikodi Anara, confirmed the
demolition, stressing that the occupants polluted and defaced the area with
human waste and other materials.
The
General Manager, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Mrs. Ngozi Atisele and
the Head of Development Control, Awka Capital Authority, Mr. Victor Okpoko,
explained that the shanties were removed for security reasons.
The
state government advised those still residing in such shanties in Awka,
Onitsha, Nnewi and other areas of the state to relocate as government would no
longer tolerate such structures in the state.
- Punch
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