Why we’re phasing out illegal structures in Bauchi – Govt

By Samuel Luka

Bauchi state Government has clarified that the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in the state is meant to sanitize various businesses, boost economic and commercial activities which will in turn grow the economy of the state.

It added that the action is also meant to actualize the incumbent Governor Bala Mohammed’s vision tagged: “my Bauchi Project”.

Addressing the people of the state through a Ministerial Press briefing held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House Bauchi yesterday, the state government assured the relocation of small shop owners to new locations, construction of corner shops within Bauchi metropolis, among other people friendly adjustments across the affected areas.

According to the state government, the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in the state capital is not meant to victimize anyone or make people suffer, but is aimed at making the state have to better look.

It further explained that the action is aimed at doing away with illegal structures erected indiscriminately thereby blocking pathways along the roads.

The minsterial press briefing which was led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed, pointed out that those affected by the demolition will be taken care of, saying plans has been put in place to relocate their businesses to better places in the state.

The government which enjoined the citizens not to panic, assured that it has secured befitting environments where the affected business owners will enjoy without any fear of intimidation.

Speaking to the press, the Commissioner of Lands and Surrey, Amina Mohammed Katagum said government has since provided permanent places for all owners of temporary structures in line with Governor Bala Mohammed’s efforts and directives as contained in the “My Bauchi project Agenda”.

She said adequate preparations have been made to ensure that all those affected by the exercise get befitting business environments for the transaction of their businesses as sources of income.

She said Plots of lands have been acquired along Atiku Abubakar Road and Sam Nujoma Road where lockup shops will be provided to accommodate the displaced business owners.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Housing and Environment, Rt Hon Danlami Ahmed Kawule said that the relocation was never meant to victimize anyone but to ensure Sanity in the masterplan of Bauchi metropolis and restore the green area to further beautify the town.

Danlami Kawule then appealed to the owners of such structures that were dismantled by the Government not to despair as the Government is making adequate arrangements through the provision of modern corner shops to carry on with their businesses.

The Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mahmoud Baba Maaji Abubakar on his part said people of the state would in the future appreciate the initiative of the Government as it will sanitize various businesses, boost economic and commercial activities which will in turn grow the economy of the state.

Honourable Baba Ma’aji added that the administration, through his ministry has created an enabling environment with the massive infrastructural development that is making the State attractive for foreign investors that would soon unveil their business enterprise in the State.

On his part, the Commissioner of Internal Security, Abdulhamid Bununu said that the gesture will assist government in addressing various security challenges in the metropolis.

He then called on the various stakeholders to join hands with government to block all loopholes of insecurity in the state in order to have a long lasting peace.