By Chibuzor Kingsley
The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) has removed several illegal structures erected on road setbacks along the Ogbogonogo Market corridor, Amaechi Agusi Street, Falcon Club Road and adjoining streets in Asaba.
The enforcement exercise, carried out by officials of the Agency’s Environmental Department and led by the Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, involved the dismantling of unauthorized stalls, makeshift extensions and other obstructions that had encroached on pedestrian walkways and road corridors within the busy commercial area.
Speaking during the operation, Nwosu said the action followed repeated sensitisation efforts and abatement notices issued to traders and property owners who failed to comply with urban planning and environmental regulations.
He noted that illegal structures on road setbacks contribute significantly to traffic congestion, environmental degradation and distortion of the city’s master plan.
“Our objective is to restore order, ensure the free flow of traffic and maintain the aesthetic standard befitting a state capital,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, conducted an inspection tour of the cleared areas and adjoining roads to evaluate the progress of the exercise ahead of the planned visit of the state governor.
Ukah expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and reiterated the Agency’s commitment to sustaining environmental and urban planning standards across the capital territory. He warned that any attempt to re-erect illegal structures on road setbacks would attract strict sanctions.
Residents and motorists in the area have welcomed the intervention, noting that the clearance would improve visibility, enhance sanitation and ease movement around the Ogbogonogo Market axis and surrounding streets.
The Agency added that monitoring and enforcement would continue to ensure sustained compliance and orderliness within the Delta State Capital Territory.