By Adamu Abubakar Kumo and Saeed Ahmad Bappah, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the encroachment of rights-of-way, setbacks, and non-compliance with urban planning regulations.
This renewed focus comes as the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA) conducted a development control exercise in Tumfure, Lafiya Mango, and other areas.
Leading a team of technical specialists, the Executive Chairman of GOSUPDA, Bappayo Samanja Maudo emphasized the importance of adhering to urban planning standards during a special operation at the Tumfure Road construction site.
The Executive Chairman directed individuals affected by road construction to seek approval from the authorities before redeveloping their properties. This ensures the proper relinquishment of land sections impacted by construction and safeguards the integrity of designated road spaces.
Maudo expressed his disappointment with certain property owners who, after receiving compensation for land used in construction projects, reclaimed those areas without obtaining GOSUPDA’s consent.
He observed a concerning trend: “People are not properly demolishing designated areas on their buildings. They tend to encroach on spaces meant for road construction or rights-of-way.”
“Even before construction begins in some areas, people are encroaching on already-compensated spaces for the road,” he added.
Maudo elaborated on the proper procedure: “One needs to report to GOSUPDA before any redevelopment of their property. We will guide people on how and where to demolish to ensure they don’t encroach on public property and also to ensure safety and security, and of course, conformity to development standards and regulations.”
The GOSUPDA team successfully conducted development control exercises in Tumfure and its environs, uncovering several buildings under construction without proper approval. Stop-and-remove orders were subsequently issued.
The team also visited the construction site of the recently approved Jewel University Gombe. They discovered several ongoing building works that lacked GOSUPDA’s authorization.
The Executive Chairman explained that most project works lacked the necessary approval. He directed the site manager to report to GOSUPDA immediately to initiate the required procedures and make the necessary payments.
“We are pro-development,” Maudo remarked, “but all physical developments must be done according to the dictates of the law, which GOSUPDA is committed to enforcing.”
Even the Federal Teaching Hospital was not exempt. The Authority issued stop-and-report notices for structures being erected without approval. “Despite being a federal health institution,” Maudo said, “the law mandates that they seek approval for erecting all structures.”
The team also identified and addressed illegal guesthouses and lodges suspected of harboring illicit activities. These were primarily residential buildings unofficially converted into guesthouses or hotels.
GOSUPDA conducted development control exercises in Lafiya Mango, Tumfure, opposite Gombe Silos along Dukku Road, and other locations to ensure compliance with planning and physical development regulations. These efforts aim to create safe and convenient urban spaces.
In closing remarks, Samanja Maudo reiterated GOSUPDA’s commitment to enforcing planning standards across the entire state. He pledged the Authority’s unwavering support for Governor Inuwa’s vision of establishing cities in Gombe State that meet international standards.
Maudo urged owners of temporary structures along the Gombe-Bauchi Road to relocate or demolish them to create a proper setback, promoting safety, security, and convenience.
“We will soon begin removing the temporary structures along Bauchi Road, starting from Gombe City Gate up to Kwadon Town and from Hammadu Kafi to Arawa, on the directive of His Excellency,” he announced.
The exercise aims to ensure order, safety, and reduce congestion and potential breeding grounds for criminal activity, ultimately contributing to peace and order within the state capital.