By John Odhe, YENAGOA
The Bayelsa State government has intensified the demolition of illegal structures that have been obstructing right of ways in Yenagoa, the State capital.
On Wednesday, our correspondent observed that the demolition train hit the popular Etegwe-Tombia Roundabout where unauthorized caravans and makeshift buildings were cleared with the aid of heavy duty machines amidst tight security.
The demolition exercise also proceeded to Baybridge Road, Yenizue-gene and INEC Road, Kpansia all in the State capital where similar operations were carried out.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board, Mr. Kuroakegha Dorgu said the statutory demolition exercise became inevitable to restore normalcy to the right of ways, adding that illegal structures were defacing the capital city.
“As you can see, we are clearing these illegal structures that have covered the right way where sometimes, cars find it difficult to park.
“We are sanitising the streets so that sanity can return to our state capital,” he said.
Dorgu noted that the board was on the first phase of the exercise, pointing out that owners of the illegal structures were duly informed before the exercise was carried out.
He warned recalcitrant residents to desist from obstructing right of ways, describing the act as unlawful.
The board chairman further explained that individuals or corporate bodies must seek approval from the board before irrecting any temporary structures on right of ways.
“We are supposed to carry out this operation in the whole of Yenagoa but this is the first phase.
“We started with the Obogoro-Angiama Road. Today, we started from Etegwe and we have cleared the School Road.
“Now we’re at Baybridge Road. From here we are moving to INEC Road. From there we will go to Captain Amangala Road.
“The next day, we will start clearing the Mbiama-Yenagoa Road. We have marked out the structures to be brought down. We will remove them one by one,” he explained.
On the complaints from victims, Dorgu said “any time there is demolition, the people who are affected will complain.
“They will say “this is our livelihood, we don’t have anywhere to go.” But they don’t know that they have also contravened the law.
“The physical planning law does not allow any illegal structures within the right of way. They won’t say that. They will only think about their livelihoods, the government is coming to destroy their properties.
“We did not just come unannounced. They were duly informed. Announcements were made over the radio several times before this day.
“I advise that they should not in any way build on the government right of way. If at all they want to use the government right of way, they should approach the physical planning board.
“If the place is good enough to give temporary permit, we will give you temporary permit. But most of them will never approach the board.”
Some of the victims who spoke to our correspondent, lamented that the notice time was too short, alleging that they were given only five days while the board said it gave five days notice.
Mrs. Gelsthope Ockiya and Sweetheart Tubonimi were some of the victims who called on the state government to relocate them to a place where they could have stores to trade and fend for their families.
