Residents Lament Planned Demolition For Enugu Airport

Residents of Emene in Enugu State have cried out over the planned demolition of their residential buildings and market for the expansion of the Enugu International Airport located in the area.

Already, residential buildings have been marked for the bulldozers and residents are gradually vacating the area in order not to be taken unawares when the demolition exercise begins.

Many houses including storey buildings along the air routes of the Enugu airport would not be spared in the demolition exercise.

But besides the planned demolition of residential buildings, the residents of Emene are equally worried that the popular Orie market would be demolished for the development of the airport. Orie market, The Tide learnt is the business hub and means of livelihood of most residents of the area.

Authorities of Ujodo Local Governemtn Area of the state have reportedly given quit notice to traders in the market to move to alternative ground before the commencement of the demolition execise.

The chairman of Ujodo LG Council, Hon Nnamdi Uchenna who confirmed the planned demolition exercise to The Tide explained that the exercise became necessary development.

In an exclusive interview, Uchenna said the demolition would be carried out by the state Ministry of Lands and Survey to avoid undue disturbances by residents.

The Ujodo LG boss appealed to the residents of Emene to see the exercise as part of their sacrifice for development of the area.

A resident, Mrs Roseline Agu, who spoke to over the development of Enugu airport, however regretted that such development was bringing pains than smiles to the people.

Last November, Enugu airport was upgraded to an international status by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In the meantime, residents of the affected buildings and traders of Orie market have been going about their  normal duties as they sadly wait for the bulldozers and possible relocation of the market. 

Mary Chinda