Residents occupying slums behind Okigwe Park in Umuahia, Abia State, have been issued a final eviction notice by the government. The ultimatum, announced by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzo Nwachukwu, instructs residents to vacate the area by Thursday, April 18th, 2024. Failure to comply will result in demolition by bulldozers on Friday.
The government explained that the demolition is necessary to create space for the relocation of illegal motor parks currently operating around the Isigate axis. These parks, along with the shanties, are seen as contributing to congestion and disorder in the area. The evicted park operators will be directed to relocate to existing parks until a central motor park planned by the government is completed.
The Abia State administration maintains that this action is part of a broader effort to improve the state capital. They aim to remove slums and touts, ultimately creating a more conducive environment for businesses to flourish.
However, the demolitions raise concerns about the displacement of residents who may struggle to find alternative housing quickly. The article does not mention any resettlement plans offered by the government to ease the burden on those being evicted.
