By Chikaodi Chukwuleta

Following the constant collapse of buildings in the state, Anambra State Government has embarked on ‘Operation Show Your Building  Permit.’

Addressing Journalists during the demolition  of  illegal structures at  Ogbo Oroma, off Port- Harcourt  Road, Onitsha South Local Government Area of the state, Chairman and Managing Director, Anambra State Physical Planning  Board (ASPPB), Barr Chike Maduekwe disclosed that the state has suspended  every on-going development and  has given several directives for developers to show their building permits.

He noted that a lot of people are taking government for granted by starting buildings  without permit, adding that most times, they avoid getting permits either because the land is in dispute or they don’t have the proper documents.

He lamented that ASPPB staff were harassed and threatened with all kinds of thugs a few days ago when they came for their official assignment and were chased away.

According  to him, “Mr Governor has told us that we will not allow any person to intimidate any official government worker anymore and we want to send out message for developers. Please don’t  think government is playing,” he said.

Maduekwe further said the government was there for the welfare of the people, adding that developers must operate according to law from now on.

He said that any building started without approval must be demolished  because there have been enough signals and messages to the people but they kept ignoring them.

He maintained that they have commenced the exercise and will move to several places, adding that there will be a lot of enforcement this week as  directed by Mr Governor.

The ASPPB Chairman stated that there are government regulations in building which has stated clearly that “you cannot build anything again in this state without approval. If you start it, it will be razed down.”

He said that the cost of demolition is high and that government instructed that any defaulter will be arrested and charged to court and that a window of 1st of August to 31st of October has been given as grace that will not attract penalty.