Edo State Govt begins demolition of structures on moats, right of way, others next week

Edo State Government has said it will, next week, roll out bulldozers to demolish all illegal structures on moats, right of way and other unauthorized places within the Benin metropolis.

The Director of Building Control at the Edo State Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Henry Enabulele disclosed this while addressing journalists during a sensitization visit by the Ministry to various communities within the metropolis.

Areas visited by officials of the Ministry include Comrade Irigho Derigho Drive in Egbirhe Community; Amagba Community; Evbuowe Community; Uholor Community; Upper Ekenhuan area, and Uteh Ne Urekpoki Quarters, Upper Mission Extension, among others.

He said, “What we are doing today is to let the public know that we can no longer condone the act of illegalities in our built environment. We have warned, served contravention notices, and called them to round table meetings, advising them to stop building on our roads.

“Some of these buildings are sitting on the road that is supposed to service other properties. At Eyaen and Upper Ekenhuan Road, they sand-filled the moat and started erecting structures on it. The infractions are spread across the nooks and crannies of the state.

“We served them notices to stop and or demolish the same structures but they resort to coming to sites only on weekends when we are not around to continue developing the structures.”

The Director stated, “Starting next week, we will roll out bulldozers to remove every infraction on the moats, roads, and right of way.

“Since they have resorted to doing things illegally, then we will remove them legally. We have the power and tools to do so.”

At Evbuowe Community, Oredo Ward 2, Enabulele warned elders and residents that the ministry can no longer allow developers to build with impunity and urged them to design proper layouts before the sale of land.

The Okaighele, Festus Idahosa, on behalf of the elders and people of the community, expressed appreciation to the officers of the ministry, promising the full cooperation of the community.