Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
About one thousand structures have been marked for demolition, in the ever busy Ochanja market, Onitsha Anambra State by the state government.
The demolition follows the plan of Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to make Anambra a liveable homeland that will cost many home and shop owners their property.
The state government had last week already commenced the demolition of buildings and structures considered to be sitting on drainage and waterways.
Among those already demolished are two Catholic Churches, and another Pentecostal church owned by controversial Pastor, Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, alias Pastor Odumeje.
However, the move has brought huge relief for traders in the market, as they lamented that several buildings housing the shops in the market did not meet the required standard, thereby posing serious threats to their lives and property.
Speaking during visit of the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Obinna Ngonadi; and Chairman, Anambra state Town Planning Board, Barr Chike Maduekwe, to the market, on Wednesday, one of the traders, Mrs. Ifenyinwa said they lost a member in a recent collapse of one of the shops.
“Transacting business under these shops have been risky. Most of these plazas are so weak that we sometimes experience drops of sands falling on our heads. We’re happy with today’s visit, and hope it doesn’t end in visit alone,” she said.
Earlier, Commissioner Ngonadi had expressed disappointment over steady erection of illegal structures in the market, describing the development as disaster waiting to happen.
He said the visit was informed by reports of illegal construction going on in the market without approval, as well as loss of lives in a recent building collapse.
He said, “Before any structure is put up, there’s supposed to be a letter of approval from the Physical Planning board. The market chairman said they got approval from my office which I didn’t issue. My office doesn’t determine qualified structures. We only give letters of recommendation.
“The lives of the people of the state means a lot to our governor, that’s why we’re here today. We got reports of building collapse that claimed a life, and we can’t afford to lose any other.”
On his part, Town Planning Board Chairman, Chike Maduekwe, reiterated government’s determination to de-congest the market, assuring that structures that failed structural integrity test would be demolished.
He said, “We’ll invite the material testing team and test the structural integrity of these buildings. Anyone that passes would be required to come for approval and will be directed on necessary amendments.
“Anyone that fails the test will come down. The reason is simple, as we were going round the market, the traders themselves were asking us to come to their aid, that the building will soon collapse on them,” he said.
He described alleged approval of erection of shops in the market as fallacious targeted at tarnishing the image of his agency, urging those concerned to provide such approvals to authenticate their claims.
“Mr. Governor has said he wants to build a livable and prosperous state, it will not be easy. If we’re able to sanitize the market which is the core of commerce, then everything will be fine.
Responding, Chairman of the market, Bonaventure Muo said, “government’s decision will take precedence. We won’t tell them what to do. We’re just servants and representatives of the people in the market.”
