Anambra Government Dislodges Street Traders, Demolishes Shanties In Awka

Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration in Anambra State has initiated the removal of street traders by demolishing shanty shops and 'illegal structures' along major roads, drainage lines, and walkways in Awka, the state capital.

The state government through the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA), carried out a demolition exercise at the popular Unizik Tempsite, Regina Caeli Junction, Oby Okoli Avenue, Okpuno, Abakaliki Street, and Club Road areas of Awka.

According to the Ministry of Information, the demolition started following the expiration of several warnings and demand notices served to the owners of the said illegal structures which were ignored.

Also, the Managing Director of Awka Capital Development Authority, Mr. Ossy Onuko, told journalists in Awka that the outright demolition of the shanty shops and dislodgement of the street traders underscored the seriousness of Governor Soludo's administration on the restoration of law and order.

Onuko, who spoke through the Head of the Department of Development and Control Unit, Mr. Charles Ekwunife, insisted that the Agency would not condone any form of illegality in its jurisdiction.

He said that the exercise had just begun and would cover areas where roads were taken over by street traders. Onuko warned traders to desist from setting up illegal structures and trading on the streets.

According to him, the government would leave no stone unturned to sanitize the state capital of illegal structures and shanties.

He said, "Those shanties put up on the road deface Awka. Take your goods to the market and sell them. There are roads and streets not meant for trading and Awka Capital Territory is one of them."