Rivers explains slums’ demolition, hostages rescue

Rivers explains slums’ demolition, hostages rescue

Guardian

29 October 2010

From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt News

THE Rivers State government’s scheme to pull down slums for modern buildings, including a hotel and theme park, could leave more than 200,000 people homeless, the Amnesty International warned yesterday.

Waterfront shanty settlements are being razed in the oil hub city of Port Harcourt under an “urban renewal” scheme. “More than 200,000 people will be at risk of losing their homes and livelihoods,” as a result, Amnesty said in a report.

The evictions, which began in August last year, were carried out by armed security agents without prior consultation with the affected communities, compensation or resettlement plans, it also said.