From Rahidat AbdulRahman, Minna
Niger State Governor, Umar Muhammed Bago has directed Urban Development Board to demolish all structures on water ways in the State capital.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba gave the directive saying it is a matter of urgency and the exercise must be carried out without any sentiments.
This followed his recent tour of flooded communities in Minna, the State capital.
“I ordered the relevant agencies to check and take proactive measures of structures on waterways”.
“Seriously, I sympathise with people affected by the floods, including their properties, as a government it is our right to protect the lives and property our citizens”, said the Governor.
Governor Bago said people who acquired lands on waterways should desist from erecting structures and stop dumping of refuse on waterways so as to avoid flood disasters.
The General Manager of Urban Development Board, Ahmad Bako stated that most of the structures on waterways do not have development permit, and that the board would fully implement the executive order immediately.
According to the GM, most of the structures on waterways were already marked as illegal structures and owners served with notices to vacate.
Some of the affected victims while speaking, appealed to the State Government to come to their aid saying goods and properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed as a result of the floods.
Areas inspected by the Governor were New Market located in Maitumbi, Gurara, Gbaganu and Brighter road.
