The Abia State Government has cleared shops and shanties from the Nigerian Railway Quarters in Umuahia as construction begins on a road linking Market Road with Akanu Ibiam Road.
The Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) carried out the demolition, removing structures along the route of the planned road.
The project starts from the First Bank junction through Market Road and the Railway Quarters before connecting to Akanu Ibiam Road. It is covered by a design plan and Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).
The government said the road is intended to ease traffic in the state capital and improve its appearance.
Among the structures removed were shops used by electronics dealers and dry cleaners around Government House, alongside other shops and shanties occupied by residents of the Railway Quarters.
The UCDA defended the action, saying occupants had received adequate notice before the demolition.
Some of those affected confirmed that they were notified to vacate the area but said they were unable to secure alternative homes or business premises before the deadline given by the government.
The demolition had been completed by the time DAILY POST visited the Railway Quarters and Akanu Ibiam Road on Thursday.
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