Anambra Govt Demolishes 5,000 Shanties in Awka, Moves to Revoke Undeveloped Land
In an aggressive push toward urban regeneration, the Anambra State Government, through the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), has demolished over 5,000 shanties and makeshift structures across the state capital. This enforcement exercise, which aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s "Green and Liveable Homeland" vision, was paired with a stern warning to developers regarding the revocation of undeveloped lands in designated high end estates.
Restoring the Awka Master Plan
The large-scale demolition exercise targeted illegal settlements and shanties that had encroached upon critical road networks and public spaces. According to the ACTDA, many of these structures served as hideouts for criminal elements and obstructed the state’s urban planning goals.
The Managing Director and CEO of ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko, stated during the exercise that the "Operation Keep Awka Clean" initiative is essential for transforming the capital into a modern hub comparable to international cities. The agency emphasized that the clearance of these shanties is necessary to open up road expansions and ensure that public infrastructure is not compromised by unregulated informal settlements.
Crackdown on Land Speculation
Simultaneous with the demolitions, the state government has officially commenced the process of revoking ownership of non-performing landed properties. The enforcement began at the Awka Millennium City Estate, a flagship residential project.
Under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), developers who acquired government-allocated lands were expected to reach appreciable levels of construction within three years. However, reports indicate that development in some of these high-priority areas has not even attained 20% completion.
Key points from the revocation mandate include:
Eliminating Speculation: The government aims to stop individuals from holding onto land solely for resale at exorbitant prices without adding developmental value.
Collaboration with Ministry of Lands: ACTDA is working with the Ministry of Lands to reassign revoked plots to developers ready to commence immediate construction.
Notice to Owners: Property owners have been urged to move beyond perimeter fencing and begin actual building projects to ensure the estates become functional residential areas.
Regulatory Oversight and Security
The Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Pauly Onyeka, noted that the government is also moving to regulate the broader real estate sector to eliminate fraudulent practices. This includes identifying over 150 unapproved estates currently being marketed to unsuspecting buyers, particularly those in the diaspora.
Beyond aesthetics, the government maintains that these enforcement actions are critical for security. Many of the demolished shanty towns lacked basic sanitation and provided cover for unregulated activities, posing significant environmental and public safety risks to the residents of Awka.
The dual strategy of demolishing illegal structures and revoking undeveloped estate lands signals the Soludo administration's refusal to tolerate "dead capital" or urban blight. While the exercise has caused significant displacement for informal settlers, the government maintains that these steps are non negotiable for the long-term sustainability and security of the state capital. Investors and developers are now under increased pressure to align their projects with the state’s accelerated development timelines or risk total loss of their assets.
