The Benue State Urban Development Board has demolished over 40 illegal structures defacing major roads and streets in Makurdi, the state capital.
The board has also identified and earmarked over 800 houses built on waterways and drainages for demolition within the Makurdi metropolis.
General Manager of the State Urban Development Board, Town Planner Mede Ternongo, disclosed this to journalists in Makurdi.
He stated that the exercise was part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s determination to revitalize the state capital and that the board was mandated to restore the city to its proper state.
Ternongo explained that in the first phase of the exercise, they removed over 40 shanties around town and opened roads that were blocked by developers in the state. The exercise aims to open major access routes in the city and will cover the entire Makurdi city.
He emphasized that notices were served on the affected individuals and that the board involved the media in informing the public about the demolition exercise.
Ternongo praised the governor for providing the necessary logistics, including bulldozers, pay loaders, and operational vehicles, to ease the board’s work.
Furthermore, Ternongo revealed plans to build a GSM village for mobile phone dealers, with the governor’s approval.
The village’s location has been identified, and discussions with the governor are ongoing to commence its construction.
Ternongo advised developers to seek approval from the board before erecting any building to prevent the spread of illegal structures that could cause blockage of drainages and flooding in the state.
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