AMBROSE NWAOGWUGWU
The Imo State Government has officially commenced the reclamation of Area K in the World Bank Layout, New Owerri, marking the resolution of a land dispute that had lingered for almost twenty years.
The reclamation exercise, which began on Wednesday, was led by the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance in collaboration with the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA). The operation focused on clearing the once-disputed layout, which had become overgrown with thick vegetation and was allegedly being used as a hideout by criminal elements, including suspected drug peddlers, kidnappers, gun fabricators, and other suspected offenders.
The operation also resulted in the demolition of illegal structures identified as criminal hideouts, while several suspected criminal elements and alleged hard drug peddlers were apprehended during the exercise.
The monitoring team was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, while the General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority, Hon. Nkem Frank, coordinated the development and enforcement aspect of the exercise. Officials of both agencies were supported by security personnel who ensured the operation was carried out without incident.
The settlement of the long-standing dispute with the indigenous settlers of Owerri nche isi has paved the way for the government to take full possession of the area and commence the reclamation process.
Government officials said the exercise forms part of the administration’s commitment to reclaiming public lands, eliminating criminal enclaves, improving public safety, and preparing strategic locations for proper physical planning and sustainable development.
Upon the completion of the reclamation exercise, the state government is expected to issue further directives on the planning, allocation, and development of the layout.
Residents have welcomed the intervention, expressing optimism that the area, once associated with insecurity and criminal activity, will soon be transformed into a well-planned and secure neighbourhood that will contribute to the continued growth of New Owerri.