ACTDA, UNIZIK, Awka South Council Begin Crackdown on Shanties, Illegal Structures Around Ifite

By Our Reporter

Joint enforcement operation targets obstructions, restores pedestrian access and seeks to improve safety around the UNIZIK student community

Authorities have intensified efforts to restore order and improve safety around the student community in Ifite and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) axis, following a joint enforcement operation led by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), in collaboration with UNIZIK and the Awka South Local Government Area.

The enforcement exercise focused on the removal of shanties, illegal structures and unauthorized projections erected on walkways and other public spaces around Ifite and the UNIZIK environment.

The operation, according to the joint task force, is part of broader efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more orderly environment for students, residents, pedestrians and business operators within the area.

During the exercise, structures and extensions obstructing pedestrian routes were removed, while occupants and property owners were reminded of the need to comply with approved planning regulations and refrain from encroaching on public spaces.

The intervention is also aimed at improving pedestrian movement and accessibility, particularly in an area heavily populated by students and residents.

Officials said the exercise was undertaken in line with the directive of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to ensure that the state’s capital territory and surrounding urban communities remain clean, safe, orderly and properly planned.

A member of the Joint Task Force explained that the enforcement was not merely about removing structures, but about reclaiming public spaces for their intended use.

“The objective is to ensure free movement, improve the environment and create a safer living and learning community for students and residents. Public walkways should remain accessible to pedestrians and should not be converted into extensions of shops or private structures.”

The task force further warned that the removal of illegal structures would continue as part of the government’s ongoing urban renewal and environmental enforcement efforts.

It urged landlords, shop owners, business operators and other property owners within the Ifite and UNIZIK axis to desist from erecting structures or extending business premises onto public spaces.

The authorities also advised property owners and developers to obtain the necessary approvals and comply with existing physical planning and development regulations before undertaking construction.

According to the enforcement team, reclaiming blocked walkways and removing unauthorized structures would not only improve the appearance of the environment but could also contribute to reducing criminal activities and other security concerns associated with poorly planned and obstructed spaces.

The operation is expected to form part of continuing enforcement activities aimed at improving living conditions within the student community and ensuring that public infrastructure and spaces are preserved for the benefit of all residents.

The Joint Task Force appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the authorities, stressing that maintaining a clean and orderly environment requires collective responsibility from government agencies, property owners, businesses, students and residents.

The latest intervention underscores the authorities’ renewed focus on enforcing urban planning regulations and reclaiming public spaces across the Awka metropolis and its adjoining communities.

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