Anambra Intensifies Enforcement of Physical Planning Laws

Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu during the exercise.

|By Alufo Bonaventure

The Anambra State Government has intensified the enforcement of physical planning laws to promote orderly urban development, curb illegal construction and ensure compliance with approved building regulations across the state.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, said the exercise is being carried out through initiatives including Operation Zero Shanties and Operation Show Your Building Permit, aimed at sanitising the built environment and enforcing compliance with physical planning laws.

Barr. Ojukwu said the enforcement targets illegal structures in major urban centres such as Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, while owners of commercial buildings, plazas and markets are required to present approved building plans for verification.

He warned that property owners who fail to comply after due notice would face enforcement measures in accordance with the provisions of the state's physical planning laws.

"The exercise is aimed at safeguarding lives, protecting public infrastructure and preventing indiscriminate development across the state," the commissioner said.

Barr. Ojukwu said the ministry is also implementing reforms focused on proper land use planning, recovery of road setbacks and protection of drainage channels in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo's urban regeneration agenda.

According to him, the reforms are expected to reduce flooding, improve traffic flow, enhance public safety and create a more attractive environment for investment and sustainable development.

The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to enforcing physical planning regulations professionally, transparently and fairly, urging property owners and developers to obtain the necessary approvals before embarking on construction projects.

He said compliance with the state's physical planning laws remains critical to achieving the government's vision of building cleaner, safer and more organised cities across Anambra State.