By Sa’eed Ahmad Bappa and Adamu Abubakar Kumo

Residents of Gombe State are being reminded to seek approval from the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA) before developing or redeveloping any landed properties.

The call comes after GOSUPDA conducted routine development control exercises to ensure compliance with physical planning standards and regulations. The team visited various locations, including Tumfure, Malam Inna, and other parts of Gombe Metropolis.

“GOSUPDA holds the sole authority to assess and grant approvals for redevelopment,” stated Mr. Jimmy A. James, who led the exercise. “No other government department, agency, or ministry has such authority.”

Mr. James urged residents, particularly those affected by the Tumfure Road Network construction, to comply with the Executive Order issued by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The order directs that all building activities in the area cease until construction is complete to avoid distortion of the planned layout.

At Malam Inna, the agency discovered an ongoing construction project that encroached on the right of way. GOSUPDA ordered immediate stoppage of the building work.

GOSUPDA also seized building materials from those constructing without permission or violating Executive Orders that halted development in specific areas, including the Gombe Capital Special Development Zone.

Tpl Ibrahim Nuhu Gure of GOSUPDA, a town planner, emphasized the importance of public safety.

Gure warned residents against practices like mixing cement on roads or placing construction materials like sand and gravel on the road or in drainage systems. “These actions can cause flooding and pose risks to the public”, he cautioned.

The development control exercises covered Tumfure North and South, Wuro Ladde, Kundulum, Wuro Kesa, Tukalma Beto, GDP 16 and GDP 4, and Wuro Liman. GOSUPDA issued various notices and invited several property owners to their office to process approvals after meeting necessary financial and technical requirements.