By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has intensified enforcement operations against illegal structures obstructing waterways and drainage channels within the Awka Capital Territory, warning that all encroachments on flood-prone areas would be removed without delay.
The authority said the exercise became necessary following increasing incidents of flooding allegedly caused by blocked waterways and indiscriminate development on drainage paths across parts of the capital city.
In a public announcement issued by the agency, ACTDA stated that its enforcement teams had commenced the removal of structures erected on waterways and other areas designated for drainage channels.
The authority warned land grabbers, developers and property agents against the sale, allocation or development of lands situated on waterways, describing the practice as illegal and dangerous to public safety.
According to the statement, any structure found obstructing waterways or drainage channels, regardless of size, would face demolition as part of efforts to restore free flow of water and curb flooding in the metropolis.
“ACTDA is currently carrying out enforcement operations, including removal of illegal structures obstructing waterways and drainage channels within the capital territory,” the statement read.
It added that the operation was in response to the “increasing cases of flooding caused by blocked waterways.”
The agency further urged residents to support the ongoing exercise by reporting blocked drainages, illegal structures and cases of encroachment on waterways to the authority for prompt action.
The development comes amid growing concerns over flooding in parts of Awka and surrounding communities following heavy rainfall in recent weeks.
ACTDA maintained that strict compliance with urban planning regulations remained essential to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure within the capital territory.
