The Edo State Government has intensified its efforts to create a well-planned and sanitized built environment in the state by embarking on the demolition of unauthorized buildings in various parts of the Benin city.
The state government taskforce on the exercise was led by Henry Enabulele, the director of physical planning and development control at the ministry of physical planning, housing, urban and regional development. He claimed that defaulters’ failure to heed various warnings and notices issued to them made the demolition exercise necessary.
Some illegal constructions that were demolished in Benin City include a fence erected on an existing road by Miracle Church of God Vision Faith Ministry, Osula Close, Uteh Ne Urekpoki Quarters, Upper Mission Extension; stores built on right-of-way at BDPA, across from the University of Benin, and a building that was being developed on such a right-of-way at Gospel Star Street, Ovbiogie Quarters.
He stated, “Today’s drill was about infractions in the Benin city about which we have been reporting. People were free to build on right-of-ways with impunity. We’re going outside today to clean up the places where these violations were found.
“We have repeatedly told them, written to them, and advised them to stop building on the right of way. This current administration won’t stand for that.
“The Ovbiogie infraction was in the middle of the road. We talked to the neighborhood and they stated they weren’t the ones who sold the land. We also advised the man to move the building out of the middle of the road, but he refused to do so.
He continued, “We are going to make them pay for the expense of eradicating these violations,
Enabulele advised contractors and property buyers to check before buying a plot of land in order to avoid infractions.
He added, “You can write to the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development for advice, and EdoGIS is available at your disposal. If you are not absolutely certain that the land is unencumbered, please do not purchase.
We urge the general population to cease squandering their hard-earned money on these illegal developments. This government will not put up with it since it is illegal.
“Don’t erect structures on right-of-ways. There are various ways to determine whether the land you intend to buy is lawful or suitable for development.