By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Onitsha South Local Government Area, in the commercial nerve center of Anambra State, has commenced the process of demolishing illegal structures located at the government reserved green areas of the city to pave way for the planting of trees.

Speaking during the launch of this year’s tree planting season, the Chairman of the Council, Chief Emeka Orji the 120 trees to be planted is aimed at protecting the ecosystem.

He harped on the need to restore the lost beauty of the town which he observe, was lost as a result of non-compliance by the inhabitants of the city.

Reminiscing on the days when trees and lawns were available for people to come relax and take a breath of fresh air, Orji added: “In those days in Onitsha, most of the streets and gardens were well kept and people spent quality times enjoying the serenity of the parks and gardens and it was an environment for holiday makers.

“So to this end the Onitsha South local government areas has resolved to plant at least 120 trees at various strategic locations in the area.”

While regretting that residents of Onitsha have chosen to deface the town by building structures at government reserved areas, Orji warned that any structure found to have been built at government reserved areas would be pulled down.

He added: “We will not take kindly with the attitude of people erecting structures at gardens and green areas. We shall ensure strict compliance to the law guiding physical and urban development of Onitsha South local government area.

“We shall follow the laid down laws and specifications on tree planting and restoration of our garden and parks and this would not be compromised by any person or group of persons.

“In the next coming weeks the strict compliance to the law would be enforced and we advise those involved in this unlawful act against our environment to begin now to remove those structures before we commence the recovery of our environment.”

On his part, the Chairman of Fegge landlord Association Chief Okwudili Ezenwunne said that the body has commenced the sensitization of residents and landlords on the need to plant at least two trees in their compound to complement the efforts of the Council in the area of environmental protection and recovery of the parks and gardens.

He hailed the Chairman of Onitsha South Council area for the move and the state government for the going green campaign.

Ezenwunne added: “We the landlord would ensure that we plant at least two trees in our compounds to assist government in this programme.”

Also, the Chairman, Anambra Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Chief Mike Ozoemena, stated that with the planting of trees and recovery of lawns, it would go a long way in helping the ozone layer that has continued to be destroyed by the emitting of carbons by human activities.