Akwa Ibom Govt Orders Demolition Of Illegal Structures At Industrial Layout
Uko Okon, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has ordered the demolition of all illegal structures at the Industrial Layout in Itam, Uyo metropolis.
The Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Mr. Anietie Eka, who gave the order while inspecting the site on Thursday, stated that the move was necessary to restore order and sanity in the area.
Eka ordered the owners of the affected structures to vacate the premises within seven days.
He decried illegal developments, shanties, and other unauthorized structures that have proliferated in the Industrial Layout, raising environmental and security concerns.
The Chairman stated that the industrial layout had been converted into a scrap market without authorisation.
Eka noted that most of the structures at the industrial layout are suspected to be criminal hideouts used for drug peddling and other dangerous activities.
“We cannot allow criminality to thrive under the guise of economic activities. Erecting structures on government land without authorisation is illegal”.
Similarly, the Chairman inspected various buildings constructed on waterways without proper setbacks, near high-tension power lines, and others that lacked necessary approvals, and issued a stop-work order.
He emphasised that the State Government remains committed to providing a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
