The State Ministry of Capital City Development has demolished an ongoing two-storey building suspected to be a plaza at the Azuebonyi axis in Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner for Capital City Development, Chief Sunday Inyima, explained that the structure was erected within the 45 to 50 meters setback reserved for the Sub Trans-Saharan Highway double lane. He said the owner had previously been warned to stop construction as the project lacked an approved building plan from the ministry.
According to Inyima, the ministry had issued a stop-work order, a revocation order, and a removal order when the development was still at foundation level. Items belonging to the builders were also confiscated at the time. However, despite assurances that they would desist, the developer resumed work and pushed the structure to the second floor, even working at night and on Sundays.
The commissioner said the demolition was carried out to uphold the rule of law and preserve the integrity of the city’s master plan. He stressed that the government would not allow illegal developments that could turn the capital city into a slum, warning other developers to obtain proper approval, inspection, and supervision before commencing any project.
Inyima further revealed that the government also sealed a popular lounge in Abakaliki over noise pollution. The ministry had previously warned the management to reduce the excessive noise, particularly at night, but the warnings were ignored. After two failed invitations to the ministry for discussions, the lounge was sealed.
