Delta State Government Initiates Demolition of Unauthorized Structures in Warri and Abuja
The Delta State Government has commenced the demolition of unlawful constructions obstructing waterways in various major cities, beginning with Warri and Effurun in the Warri South and Uvwie local government areas. The operation, initiated to ensure proper water flow, began at the Ugboroke community, where a primary canal had been obstructed by illegal structures. Officials from the Office of the Director-General, Special Duties, Delta State Government House, the Ministry of Urban and Regional Planning, and the Ministry of Justice, along with others, utilized heavy-duty equipment for the task.
The effort gained momentum around noon after occupants of the impacted structures had relocated their belongings. The demolition team extended their operation to the Ekpan community, where they dismantled more illegal structures obstructing waterways. Additionally, the squad targeted the Warri-Sapele Road at Effurun GRA, removing illegal constructions that were impeding water flow, particularly affecting the Ekpan River on the NNPC Housing Estate Road.
Chief Frank Omare, the Director-General of Special Duties in the Governor’s Office, led the demolition squad and emphasized that the team’s mandate, bestowed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is to eradicate all illegal structures throughout the state. He underlined that this is just the initial phase of their efforts.
In a parallel occurrence, officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration in Abuja undertook the demolition of unauthorized structures on a property owned by the Transmission Company of Nigeria. This action is part of broader infrastructure development in the Lugbe area. Speaking after the demolition, Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control, FCTA, clarified that the area referred to as Timber Shield Market in Lugbe had no official approval for occupation. He stated that the land, situated behind a high-tension line, had been unlawfully occupied by timber dealers, scavengers, and vendors of low-value items.
Galadima informed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria had already awarded a contract to energize the power line in the vicinity. Consequently, the illegal structures had to be removed before the commencement of the work. He revealed that the area lies along the Ring Road III, connecting Gwarimpa and the Public Service Institute, along Onex, as well as linking Siraji to the Apo Mechanic area. The operation is part of an ongoing initiative to cleanse Abuja City of unlawful structures, aiming to enhance security and reduce criminal activities within these areas.
