By Samson Ezea
Yes, the outcry and hullabaloo by a section of the public over Enugu State Government’s demolitions of some sections of markets in Holy Ghost, Abakpa, Awkunanaw, and Nsukka to pave the way for the construction of New Transport Terminals should be expected.
Even though the demolitions are painful and agonizing, these were in the past cases the price people and government paid for development to go through. The current situation is not peculiar to Enugu and Nsukka people.
It would appear that much of the strident opposition is coming from some acclaimed “owners” and “occupiers” of the affected buildings and shops who had encroached on the lands and operated illegally for decades without any genuine documents of ownership or lease from governments. Those who legitimately occupied spaces in the markets were given prior notices of demolition and paid compensations as well by the government before the demolitions commenced.
One thing that is certain is that there is no way or time the government would have commenced the project, and people, especially those affected, will not complain or raise alarm. There is none. This is because naturally and materialistically, human beings are averse to change and development, especially when they are directly or indirectly affected. What they don’t usually consider is that the number of the affected if the status quo is allowed to remain is more than the number of the affected if development is brought in. This is the truth.
The number of people affected or will be affected in the demolitions at Holy Ghost, Abakpa, Nsukka, and Awkunanaw are not more than the number of people their unwholesome and chaotic transport and trading activities have obstructed and affected over the years.
The quantum of orderliness, employment, ease of transportation, and face-lift the new transport terminals will bring is enormous and developmental. The benefits in the long run are unparalleled. With the new buses the state government is bringing in to be plying these routes and terminals for 24 hours a day, Enugu will become a modern and global city.
It is ironical to see people who have been yearning for development making a volte-face to criticize or attack development. Enugu State Government is on the right track in its move to commence the construction of Modern Transport Terminals in these designated areas of the state.
In every developmental stride, something must surely give way, provided that what is being sacrificed or demolished is not more than what will be benefited by society in the long run and upon completion.
Meanwhile, the government has commenced demolitions to pave the way for the commencement of the laudable and people-oriented project. No amount of criticisms, complaints, outcry, and condemnations will stop it, hence the need for all to join hands with the government to make it a reality for the benefits of all and generations unborn in the state.
