By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
Demolition agency, the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) has clarified how 160 houses demolished at Grace Land, Sabon Gari, Zaria in kaduna State.
The Authority was reacting to rumours being circulated in social media quoting conflicting numbers of the structures that were demolished during the exercise.
A statement issued Tuesday by the Public Relations Executive (PRE) of the Authority, Nuhu Garba said that the entire Grace Land area have a total of 395.5 hectares in which 337 hectares will be regularized.
The release further explained that the 160 buildings demolished were located at the rest of 58.5 hectares.
According to the statement, the removal exercise was done after the expiration of twenty four (24) hours notice was served on the owners of the property.
The release also recalled that the area where the removal exercise was undertaken falls within the area where demolition notices were issued in 2011, 2014 and 2020 respectively.
The authority’s spokesman further recalled that a complaint was made by the Nigerian College of Aviation (NCAT), Zaria on their encroached land since 2011.
The encroachment, NCAT told Kaduna State Government, prevented the management from expanding and fencing the school.
“In view of this, and in line with the State Government’s Urban Renewal Initiative and in the compliance with High Court Order of Zaria Division, the Authority demolished the unapproved developments between Sunday/Monday, 3_4/10/2021”, the statement noted.
The release thanked the general public, especially residents of the area for their understanding and co-operation.
