RSG Denies Political Undertone On Urban Renewal Policy

The Rivers State Government
says its urban renewal war has no political undertone as it was not targeted at political enemies.
The State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Hon Chinyere Igwe who stated this while answering questions during a radio interview programme, ’View Point’ in Port Harcourt, noted the law empowered the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning to demolish, impound, confiscate and prosecute offenders.
Igwe explained that the ongoing implementation of the urban renewal programme in the state capital was not an effort to witch-hunt political opponents but an attempt to ensure and maintain the physical plan of the city of Port Harcourt.
He also said that the inauguration of Urban Guard was to regulate and stop street trading and illegal motor parks.
According to him, ’’if the previous government failed to adhere to the law, the present administration would not because they own the people responsibility and duties to do so”.
The Commissioner regretted that the efforts by the present administration to implement  the law have made the government as though it is fighting its political enemies, adding that politics and elections are over, but the government has to work to sustain the city structure.
He noted that the law specified the areas to site residential, industrial and commercial structure, noting that people site filling stations in residential areas which cannot be accepted.
The commissioner explained that his ministry had met with politicians, Christians and some professional bodies on the issue of bill board, adding that it is wrong to mount bill board at every point.
“They have to get approval from the ministry before mounting any bill board. Any billboard without an approval would be dismantled’’, he warned.
He urged those castigating the state government and accusing it of witch hunting politicians to desist forthwith,  insisting that the right thing has to be done.
He appealed to people of the state to appreciate the developmental strides of Governor Nyeson Wike in the areas of road network, infrastructural development, education and in decongesting motor parks at Bori, Ahoada, Degema and Port Harcourt slaughter.