NAN-H-73
Structures
Akure, Aug.10, 2017 (NAN) The Ondo State Government has resuscitated Enforcement Squad against illegal structures, constructions and shanties prevalent in Akure and other parts of the state.
Mr Alaba Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical and Urban Development in the state disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure.
Adeyemi said that the move by the government was to control induced flooding and other ecological disasters.
“Our enforcement squad was disbanded some years back due to paucity of funds but has been approved for resuscitation by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.
“The squad will consist of Ministry officials and security personnel from the Police, SSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to give it official backing and ensure compliance.
“We also have a mobile court for offenders to compliment the efforts of the squad,’’ he said.
He decried the construction of buildings, especially petrol stations under power lines or on river courses.
“Construction of petrol stations was embargoed some years back, despite this, the construction still continued.
“Though, the embargo has been lifted, the Ministry is commencing regularisation of all irregularities of the past years,’’ he said.
Adeyemi described as a grievous offence, erection of structures on government acquired land without approval.
He, therefore directed all intending developers to obtain due approval for their designs from the Ministry.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged owners of affected structures to visit the Ministry as soon as possible for possible regularisation.
“In this new dawn, we say No to shanties and unapproved structures in our Sunshine State.
“For any construction activity, official or residential, there are town planning rules and regulations guiding it.
“Those that meet the town planning regulations will pay the normal fines and be given approval but those that do not meet the regulations will be seriously sanctioned,’’ he said. (NAN)
AYO /ROT
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi