Anxiety as Anambra begins reclamation of public land

Anambra State is intensifying efforts to reclaim public land and restore its original master plan through a rigorous enforcement of physical planning regulations. The third phase of this operation, tagged 'Show your building permit,' is underway, targeting commercial hubs and communities to eliminate shanties and unauthorized structures.

“

Operation show your physical planning permit, seeks to enforce compliance with approved planning regulations and reclaim encroached public spaces.

The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is leading the charge, aiming to restore order, enhance environmental sustainability, and foster planned urban growth. Commissioner Chijioke Ojukwu stated that the drive reflects Governor Chukwuma Soludo's commitment to creating orderly, liveable, and economically vibrant cities by ensuring strict compliance with development standards.

During an exercise in Ogbunike, Ojukwu supervised the reclamation of government land allegedly encroached upon by developers. He warned that public property would no longer be converted for private use, emphasizing that illegal developments contribute to flooding, traffic congestion, insecurity, and environmental degradation.

“

The exercise reflects the Anambra State government’s commitment to build a modern, liveable, and investment-friendly state anchored on strict physical planning standards.

In Nnewi, where a previous phase of the exercise took place, properties were marked for demolition. Owners were given a 14-day deadline to remove structures violating regulations, including setbacks from road corridors. The enforcement team also halted construction on a collapsed illegal structure in Ogidi that obstructed a drainage channel, citing public safety risks. Further inspections in Ogidi revealed more non-compliance issues, prompting immediate enforcement actions.

“

These illegal developments have contributed significantly to flooding, traffic congestion, insecurity, and environmental degradation in major urban centres across the state.