Shop owners in Umuahia have started taking measures to protect their properties following the announcement by the Abia State government that a demolition for the Ossah-Okpara Square Road expansion is imminent.
The Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, held a town hall meeting with affected property owners last week, informing them that Governor Alex Otti had approved full compensation for their properties. He also stated that the demolitions would commence once the property owners received their compensation in their bank accounts.
During the meeting, it was revealed that 130 buildings would be affected by the road expansion project, and only those marked by the Abia State Ministry of Works would be demolished after compensation had been received.
Despite appeals from some occupants for a longer period to relocate, the Commissioner stated that the property owners had already been given six weeks to make the necessary arrangements, and no further extensions would be granted.
While the exact date for the demolition has not been announced, a recent visit to the affected area revealed that over 15 buildings have already had their roofs and iron doors removed by their owners. Some property owners were also seen supervising the removal of their properties in preparation for the eventual demolition.
It remains unclear whether those removing their properties have received their compensation or not. One of the affected indigenes mentioned that the payment process is confidential between the property owners and the State government.
This development has caused uncertainty and anxiety among shop owners in Umuahia as they try to safeguard their properties while awaiting further instructions from the government.
