The Rivers State Government has issued a seven-day warning to residents of Port Harcourt ahead of its planned demolition of shanties. The notice was issued by Mr. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, on Saturday in Port Harcourt....TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT | TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT
Bipi expressed concern about the activities of scavengers at the Trans-Amadi industrial area, who have occupied large hectares of private lands for sorting and assemblage of solid waste. He condemned the proliferation of illegal dumpsites and shanties in business areas, advising occupants to vacate affected properties marked for demolition.
According to Bipi, the scavengers’ activities are contributing to environmental hazards, and their operation is highly unacceptable.
“This administration will no longer continue to allow them to deface our residential and industrial areas,” Bipi said. “We have given occupants seven days to vacate affected properties as we shall commence waste clearing and demolition of shanties in the area.”
Bipi also warned property owners to refrain from leasing their properties to operators of unapproved and hazardous businesses, or face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, Mr. David Ogbanga, Chairman, Special Committee on Development Control of the ministry, assured that efforts are being made towards sustainable urban development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Ogbanga noted that slums not only deface the city outlook but also impede urbanization, and constitute a breeding ground for miscreants, criminals, and perpetrators of social vices.
