Demolition of illegal structures, shanties to begin next week in Umuahia – Abia govt

Pulling down of unapproved structures erected in front of buildings in Isi Gate, Uzuakoli Road, Corporative and Aba Road areas of Umuahia, the Abia State capital, will commence next week.

The Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) gave this final notice in Umuahia during a meeting with landlords, especially those doing business in the affected areas.

The General Manager of UCDA, Kingsley Agomuo, advised the landlords and other occupants of the illegal structures and shanties to remove them before the December 1 deadline earlier given by the state government.

It warned that all costs spent in pulling down the structures would be borne by the owners of the buildings.

He made it clear that it was in the best interest of the landlords and occupants of the illegal structures to remove the structures on their own to avoid paying for the expenses incurred by having the Abia State Government do so.

He further said any landlord who failed to heed the advice would be sanctioned.

The UCDA said there was a need to restore the sanity of Umuahia.

Traders at Isi Gate were also asked to leave their current space as the UCDA and Abia State Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investment have maintained that the market had long been relocated and therefore, was no longer recognized by the state government.