The Edo State Government has served demolition notice to developers in Benin metropolis whose buildings breached the state town planning laws.
Speaking to journalists at the weekend in Benin, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Edorodion Oye Erimona said the notice serves as a final reminder to those whose properties contravened the state’s laws on urban development.
“If the developers fail to remove the properties within seven days as contained in the notices, the government will be left with no option than to demolish them if they fail to do so themselves. The developers will incur the cost of the demolition.”
According to him, the exercise became necessary to ensure that the original plan of the city is maintained and ensure safety and convenience for residents, adding that the properties are built on roads, and under high tension cables.
He said the state government will continue to engage developers whose properties flout the state’s town planning laws, through notices on contravention, stop work and eventually demolition.
The commissioner frowned at the antics of developers, who build structures without regard to appropriate laws, noting that the exercise will serve as a deterrent to developers.
“Developers who intend to develop their properties are encouraged to approach the Ministry with their building plan proposals. The ministry now approves proposals for building between three weeks and three months, provided it is in line with the laid down requirements,” he said.
Erimona who charged developers in the state to comply with Town Planning Laws said the exercise will be extended to other parts of the state.
