In a bid to alleviate the perennial traffic congestion at the busy Vanco junction, the Ebonyi State Government has begun demolishing shops and residential buildings in the Ogoja Road area of Abakiliki metropolis to make way for a new flyover.
During a recent visit by NewsNow to the affected areas, demolition activities were observed to be ongoing on both sides of the road.
The affected traders and landlords have expressed their grievances over the sudden demolition of their establishments without any prior notice.
According to some traders who spoke to NewsNow, they were caught off guard by the demolition and were left without alternative arrangements for storing their goods. They also mentioned that no compensation has been provided by the government.
Responding to the situation, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works, Stanley Lebechi Mbam, clarified to DAILY POST that the demolitions are not targeted at specific individuals but are part of a larger initiative to enhance the city’s aesthetics and alleviate congestion.
A call has been made to the affected parties to compile their information and submit the necessary documents to the state government for further actions to be taken.