•As Moghalu denies selling right-of-ways
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), yesterday, ordered immediate demolition of all illegal structures built on its right-of-ways in Onitsha, Anambra State, warning that it will not tolerate such unlawful act by trespassers.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, Dr. George Moghalu, gave the order in Onitsha, while inspecting the proposed site for building of a Maritime Institute close to the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Onitsha. He, thereafter, gave approval for its construction.
Moghalu also debunked rumours making the around that NIWA is selling its right-of-ways in Onitsha or anywhere in Nigeria, saying that if management could sell its right-of-ways, there won’t be any moral justification to demolish structures today.
He alleged that people entered NIWA right-of-ways without permission to build, and even fence off their lands with gates, insisting that such trespassers will not be given any notice before such illegal structures are demolished.
According to him, these are the people going about peddling the rumour that NIWA is selling their right-of-ways, warning that there is no truth in the alleged sell of right-of-ways in Onitsha or any other place in Nigeria by NIWA.
“Since people did not give NIWA any notice to go into its property, NIWA will not give them any notice before it demolishes their property,” Moghalu said. On the Maritime Institute located in Onitsha, he noted they needed approval to do the project on NIWA’s right-of-way, pointing out that there was a little disagreement, which he has resolved.
He said: “We have looked at the site and identified the area required for the project, and we have given them consent. We are saying the formal application has to be made, the design of structures to be built there must be provided for NIWA to do its survey and mark out the area to enable them pay whatever charges required. You can see how NIWA operates.
“We give approval for projects that have public and not personal interest. The Maritime Institute is on our right-of-way, and it is a Federal Government project with public interest, and its promoters have duly applied for approval.”
