WE'LL REVERT TO MAKURDI MASTER PLAN-- LANDS COMMISSIONER

WE'LL REVERT TO MAKURDI MASTER PLAN-- LANDS COMMISSIONER

BY HENRI IBYA,SHAWN JACOB SHOM

 

The Benue State Commissioner for Lands,Survey and Solid Minerals,Honourable Unenge Bernard has announced that his Ministry would ensure that the Makurdi master plan is implemented to the later.
The Commissioner who indicated this while on inspection of development in some parts of the State capital frowned at residents who built on water ways and access roads.
Honourable Unenge,accompanied by the General Manager of Benue State Urban Development Board(BSUDB),Mr Richard Agwa said is high time to correct all the anomalies as some residents have continue to distort the Master plan for their selfish interest.
He emphasized that the government will not rest on its oars to ensure that the right thing is done to save Makurdi from activities of illegal developers.
According to him such activities have led to flooding in some areas,causing untold hardship to even those who do the right thing.
The Commissioner said such is unacceptable and the affected structures would be demolished without further delay.
The planned demolition,according to Mr Unenge is neither to witch-hunt nor victimize anyone but to ensure free flow of water and allow access to roads,adding that all efforts is to the betterment of the people.
He said Staff of the Ministry and those of Urban development who conive with illegal developers will be called to order and possibly punish to serve as deterrent to others.
Also,speaking the General Manager of the State Urban development board,Mr Richard Agwa said abatement notice would be served on illegal developers following which will be demolition.
He said the time for development of illegal structures in the State,especially in Urban centers is over and charged residents to always follow laid down provisions on development.
Mr Agwa also advised residents to always request officially, services of Surveyors from the Ministry of Lands,Survey and Solid Minerals before carrying out development to avoid issues that might arise later.
A resident at Agber Village in Makurdi,Mr Cyril Enyi told reporters when the team visited that it is the duty of government to enforce all laws and regulations,adding that the right thing should be done to save some of them that are affected from the activities of illegal developers.
He noted that it is natural for humans to violate the law and challenged government agencies not to shy from strict enforcement.
Mr Enyi while commending the government effort in addressing the issues appealed to the State government to as a matter of urgency provide more drainages in the area to alleviate their suffering.