By Saeed Ahmad Bappah, Gombe
A high powered team led by the Executive Chairman Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA) Alhaji Bappayo Samanja Mauɗo, management team and staff of the agency has started partial demolition in three densely populated areas of Unguwa Uku, Kagarawal and Malam Inna of Gombe Metropolis.
This followed an executive directive by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya that no additional development will take place in the mentioned places unless development controls are enforced, following the governor’s personal visit where he noticed gross violations and serious abuse of right of way without compliance to building lines.
This made the governor to withdraw all additional infrastructure like solar street lights, water pipes amongst others in the areas until all the right of ways are restored by GOSUPDA.
The governor therefore directed the executive chairman to take immediate actions in the affected areas as stipulated by laws, that public interest override personal interests.
The GOSUPDA team also visited other places like Gombe Main Market, five filling stations, Gindin Dorawa and Maman Oko along Yola Road.
Other places visited are Tashan Dukku, new and old Mile Three all to enforce compliance.
In an interview with journalists, the chairman said this is just the beginning as his team will ensure close supervision until the the right thing is done.
Some residents interviewed appreciated the measures being taken by GOSUPDA, assuring to comply with the laid down rules and regulations.
They noted that “All this development is being made for our benefit especially issue of solar lights which brings in more security in our environments. Apart from this, water is everything in life, we therefore support this move hundred percent”.