Imo Rules Out Compensation For Demolished Buildings

The General Manager of
Owerri Capital Development Authority, Mr Chima Anozie, says the government will not compensate owners of illegal structures demolished in the Imo capital.
Anozie told newsmen in Owerri that there was need for developers to make relevant consultations before erecting any building in the state capital.
He said such developers should submit building plans to the agency before embarking on such building.
The general manager added that the government would soon move against houses built on demarcated open spaces and drainage channels.
He said the agency followed the due process in demolition of houses by serving their owners with an order through a court bailiff.
Anozie further said the agency would continue to obtain court orders before demolishing illegal structures, adding that the owners of such structures would not get any compensation from the government.
He also announced plans to set up “farmers’ markets” in the suburbs of Owerri to enable the residents to trade with ease.
He said the markets would reduce street trading and called on the people to support the government in its ideas.
“Owerri capital is a city with beautiful planning but people have violated such plan due to selfishness.
“A lot of houses were built on the sanitary system, which is the primary cause of flooding in most areas.
“The government cannot sit back and watch such people disorganise the system but will move to stop such illegal activities,’’ Anozie said.
He said the government would partner with various banks in the state for the maintenance of the open spaces.