By Amaechi Agbo, Enugu

Although the demolition of Ogige Market in Nuskka Local Government Area came with hardships, sufferings and misgivings, the member representing Nsukka East Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Engr Dr Pius Onyekachi Ezugwu has stated that the pains are temporary as the benefits will outweigh the current suffering.

Hon Dr Ezugwu who sympathised with the affected traders and shop-owners said the demolition was done in good faith and called on the affected traders and the good people of Nsukka to give the Enugu Government under Barr. Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah the opportunity to carry out his immense development plans for the area.

“Initially, there was a lot of emotions and misunderstanding. When I was outside the country, I often see buildings being demolished, which initially seemed unnecessary. However, after seeing the development that followed, I understood the process. The demolition of Ogige Market in Nuskka is causing temporary pain, but it’s necessary for long-term benefits. The new shopping spaces will be more efficient, and we’re intervening to ensure that shop-owners can afford the new spaces made available. The pain is temporary, but the benefits will be long-lasting, Hon Dr Ezugwu told journalists in Enugu.

He explained why the demolition was unavoidable despite the obvious sufferings and pains the people would experience

“The government is seeking to acquire one or two hectares for development. The issue is that the market is very close to the main road, so demolishing parts of it affects shops. However, the intention behind these actions are for the overall development and benefit of Ndi Nsukka in particular and Ndi Enugu in general.”

When asked to know if the affected traders and shop-owners were compensated, Hon Ezugwu said although he was not in the know, but added that it is the norm to compensate people whose structures are demolished for development adding that the development of the new ultra-modern bus terminal will be completed within 12 months once the project takes off.

“I’m not in the capacity to answer that, but from what I know, they were given enough notice last year in October. Compensation was provided to those at Ogui, so I believe the shop owners at Nsukka will also receive compensation.

“It is expected to last for 12 months. There is day and night construction to ensure high-quality work is completed promptly,” he added.

BRT Purchased, Compensation Paid – Commissioner for Transportation Obi Ozor

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Transportation, Enugu State, Hon. Dr. Obi Ozor, in has confirmed that the affected traders were paid compensation even as he disclosed that 5, 000 Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) have been purchased by the state government awaiting delivering. 

He explained that there was need to rejig the state’s transport system to match with what is obtainable in the developed countries of the world, stressing that it made no sense for the administration to build all the roads in Enugu and end up with unkept and highly disorganised and outdated motor parks that make life difficult for commuters.

“The Dr. Peter Mbah Administration has resolved to ensure a total overhaul of our transportation system: air, railway, road, and even the waterways.

“The contractors that will handle the railway project from Enugu, Nsukka to Uzo-Uwani are already in Enugu, and of course you know the governor is already on his toes to ensure that the international terminal at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu is completed and functional.

“Bus Rapid Transport, BRT, buses with 80-passenger capacity have already been bought and will arrive in Enugu in no distant time. All this is because the state has discovered that half of our salaries go to transportation. We want to reduce the pains of Ndi Enugu and uplift their standard of living.

“We need to start developing Igbo land and change our transportation system so that our people can travel, import, and export their goods with ease.

“We also want to make a passionate appeal that those affected should bring their documents for enumeration, as it will help us to pay compensation and allocate spaces once the project is completed in 12-month time. We will give them the right of first refusal,” Ozor said.