The Ebonyi government has commenced the demolition of ‘illegal’ structures and slums in Abakaliki.

Sunday Inyima, Commissioner for Capital City Development, told journalists on Thursday during the demolition exercise that the affected structures failed to comply with the laid-down physical planning standards.

The demolition is taking place along Murtala Mohammed Layout, Hausa Quarters and Waterworks Road.

Mr Inyima said the demolition aimed to sanitise the state capital as it grows into a metropolitan city.

He said the present government, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, gave the demolition notice and removal order to the occupants of the structures around November 2023.

“And in December 2024, we gave them another reminder that they should remove the structures. Abakaliki has grown into a metropolis like any other city you can think about. So, we must beautify the city.

“This demolition is in line with the state developmental agenda for the people. This exercise is very apt, especially along the road at Hausa Quarters that links to the state house of assembly. So, we need to develop the area. We need to sanitise the capital city. The exercise is taking place in two marked area, Hausa Quarters and Waterworks Road.

“Let us first of all sanitise the urban city and then we begin to move to other areas to ensure that erecting of buildings are well controlled. We need to expand the road at Hausa Quarters with good drainage and build a beautiful edifice that will actually beautify the place. And if you are driving on that road, you will see the beauty and the aesthetics of a city,” Mr Inyima said.

A resident, Mercy Okoro, said the demolition was good but not at this period when citizens are going through hard times. 

Ms Okoro, who owns a shop along Hausa Quarter Road, said she had no money to relocate and start another business.

“I am happy that the government is trying to change the face of the capital city, but they should have considered the period we are in now. Things are very difficult and we are just here, trying to manage to find our livelihood,” she said. 

(NAN)