Society
No Compensation as Ondo Moves to Demolish More Buildings Along Waterways
to prevent flooding and building collapse across the state.
The Ondo State Government has marked more illegal buildings and structures for demolition in Akure as part of efforts to prevent flooding and building collapse across the state.
The affected structures, located along the popular Oyemekun Road in the state capital, were identified during an enforcement exercise led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Ecological Control, Engr. Elisha Ebijimi, and officials of the ministry’s Monitoring and Enforcement Unit.
Speaking with journalists during the exercise, Olajide said the government would remove all buildings and structures erected on natural waterways to ensure the free flow of water during the rainy season.
“All buildings and structures constructed along the natural waterways in any part of the state will be demolished and removed to allow the free flow of water during the rainy season,” the commissioner said.
He said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had adopted proactive measures to minimise flooding by clearing drainages and waterways through the Office of the Special Adviser on Technical and Ecological Control ahead of the rainy season.
Olajide warned prospective developers and residents against erecting structures on waterways or other unapproved locations, stressing that affected property owners would not receive compensation.
“Members of the public should desist from putting up structures along waterways and unapproved locations to avoid losing their properties during demolition exercises. No compensation will be paid to affected property owners after several notices have been served on them,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that the demolition exercise would be extended to other identified flood-prone areas within Akure before moving to other towns across the state.
He also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for strengthening the capacity of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to complement federal efforts in providing assistance to victims of natural disasters.
The Permanent Secretary, Building Control Unit of the ministry, TPL Abimbola Tofowomo, and directors in the unit accompanied the commissioner during the inspection and enforcement exercise.
