Cross River Government Demolishes Illegal Structures In State Capital

CALABAR, August 30, (THEWILL) - The Cross River State Task Force on Development and Environment Control has demolished more illegal structures in the metropolis.

Speaking after the exercise, chairman of the Task Force, Wing Commander Lupata Okputu (Retired) said the force received reports from the town planning on some illegal structures that were not conforming to the Calabar Master Plan and so needed to be demolished.

Okputu explained that erecting structures without approval would congest the metropolis, adding that such unapproved structures built on major drains have contributed to recent incidences of flooding in parts of the city.

He pointed out that before such demolition is carried out, the Task Force would first mark the said structures and give their owners a seven-day notice before an official notice is sent to the Task Force following the approval for demolition by the Commissioner for Lands.

The Task Force boss described as false, allegations by some people that notices of demolition were not issued to owners of illegal structures, saying that any structure not marked and a notice served on its owner could not be demolished.

He advised intending builders to visit the town planning office and pay an affordable processing fee to obtain clearance to avoid falling victim to future demolitions.

He also warned fish sellers along Atekong by Genny’s to vacate the area or risk being arrested for roasting fish in a green area, thereby destroying the grasses that are meant to beautify the area. He added, too, that the exercise continues.