The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) has intensified its environmental enforcement activities with the demolition and removal of illegal structures erected along major road setbacks around the Ogbogonogo Market corridor in Asaba.
The operation covered Amaechi Agusi Street, Falcon Club Road and other adjoining streets within the busy commercial district of the state capital.
Officials of the agency, led by the Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, supervised the dismantling of unauthorized stalls, makeshift shops and extensions built on pedestrian walkways and road corridors.
The structures, according to the agency, had obstructed movement and violated urban planning regulations guiding development within the capital territory.
Mr. Nwosu explained during the exercise that the action followed several rounds of public sensitisation and the issuance of abatement notices to traders and property owners occupying the affected areas.
He noted that many of the occupants failed to comply with the warnings, making enforcement necessary.
According to him, the presence of illegal structures along road setbacks contributes significantly to traffic congestion, poor sanitation and the distortion of the city’s master plan.
“Our objective is to restore order within the capital territory, ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain the environmental and aesthetic standards expected of a state capital,” he said.
In a related development, the Director General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, carried out an inspection tour of the affected locations and adjoining roads to evaluate the progress of the clearing exercise.
The inspection, officials said, was part of preparations ahead of a scheduled visit by the state governor to the area.
Mr. Ukah expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far and commended the enforcement team for their commitment to restoring order within the commercial axis.
He also warned traders and property owners against attempting to re-erect illegal structures on the cleared road setbacks, stressing that the agency would enforce strict penalties against violators.
Residents and motorists who spoke during the exercise welcomed the intervention, stating that the removal of the illegal structures would help improve visibility, enhance sanitation and reduce congestion around the Ogbogonogo Market area.
The agency reaffirmed that routine monitoring and enforcement would continue across the Delta State Capital Territory to ensure compliance with environmental and planning regulations.
