Residents Fault Demolition Exercise

Residents of Rumuibekwe Housing Estate have lamented over the ongoing demolition of houses in the estate by officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development, saying the exercise took them by surprise, as due process was not followed in the execution.

In their protest, the residents alleged that time was not given to them to look for alternative accommodation, and that modalities that were followed in earmarking the place for demolition are yet to be made known to them.

Spokes man of the group, Mr. Dennis Onwuekwe, said that the residents were surprised that the ministry officials came to demolish their homes without following due process as is required.

He said that a notice to vacate the place was given to them on the November 12, 2012, and that it has taken barely three months now, adding that the exercise has caused untold hardship to the residents.

Some of the residents said they are now stranded, and that their families are scartered because the exercise took them unwares.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for urban development, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has said that notice of demolition was issued to those at Ubima close of the estate for over one year now.

He said that those building that were marked for demolition are those under the high tension electricity wires of the PHCN, which he said is dangerous, and urged those affected to ensure that thye co-operate with the government, officials.

Corlins Walter