By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The Anambra State Government has commenced moves to demolish sections of shopping plazas and commercial structures found to be in violation of physical planning regulations, as part of a statewide enforcement drive aimed at restoring order and preventing traffic congestion.
The affected structures, located at Oye Agu Market, Abagana, and Nkwo Nnewi, were recently marked for demolition by officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Why the Structures Were Marked
Speaking during a routine inspection and enforcement exercise on Friday, June 19, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, said the affected shopping plazas encroached on designated road corridors and failed to comply with the mandatory nine-metre setback requirement for commercial buildings.
According to him, the setback rule is intended to provide adequate parking space for customers and prevent traffic gridlock caused by indiscriminate roadside parking.
“We have marked some lock-up shops at Oye Agu Market, Abagana, because they were not properly planned and did not provide parking space for customers,” Ojukwu said.
“The same applies to the ongoing shopping mall project at Nkwo Nnewi. Without designated parking facilities, traffic congestion on adjoining roads becomes inevitable.”
Law Applies to Everyone
The commissioner stressed that the state’s physical planning laws are binding on all individuals and institutions, including government agencies.
He explained that beyond enforcement, the exercise was also designed to raise public awareness on the importance of obtaining building permits and complying with approved development standards.
Government Plans Tougher Regulations
Ojukwu disclosed that the state government is working towards amending existing physical planning laws to strengthen compliance, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms.
He added that the proposed reforms would involve closer collaboration with licensed building professionals to ensure adherence to approved standards.
Markets and Communities Inspected
The enforcement team also visited several locations, including Plywood Market, Ogbunike, Building Materials Market, Ogidi, parts of Nnewi, and other communities where varying degrees of non-compliance were observed.
The commissioner noted that the government has also begun enforcing the two-metre setback requirement from walkways, in line with directives from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
“The law equally provides for a six-metre setback from drainage lines along highways across the state. Compliance is not optional,” he emphasized.
A Statewide Warning
The latest enforcement action sends a strong warning to developers, market operators, and property owners across Anambra State that violations of physical planning regulations will attract sanctions, including demolition where necessary.
Tags: Anambra State, Physical Planning, Urban Development, Demolition Exercise
