By Adamu Abubakar, Gombe

The Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority, GOSUPDA took decisive action to halt unauthorized erection of structures, especially within the state capital to create a more convenient and functional urban landscape.

The Authority during its routine weekly operations on Saturday, April 21st visited key areas of Dukku Motor Park and the soon-to-be-commissioned Gombe Mega Park targeting temporary establishments, including shops, malls, and kiosks erected without due approval from the authorities.

Shedding light on the operations, the Executive Chairman of GOSUPDA, Bappayo Samanja Maudo said the authority issued five-day removal notices to owners of temporary structures around Dukku Motor Park warning that owners who fail to comply within this timeframe will face the full wrath of the law.

The exercise aims to restore order, enhance convenience and security within the area, and pave the way for future development projects in the area in line with the law and global best urban planning practices.

The authority has already begun removing and partially demolishing unauthorized structures surrounding the newly built Gombe Mega Park.

“These proactive measures were taken to ensure the park’s intended functionality is not compromised by unauthorized structures”, the Executive Chairman stressed, adding that “the drastic measures also aim to discourage the erection of any future unauthorized establishment that could impede the Mega Park’s operation.”

He emphasized that clearing the area of temporary structures will facilitate the successful inauguration of the Mega Park. “This, in turn, is expected to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by attracting new businesses and economic activities”, he remarked.

The team was also in Tumfure to ensure compliance and development control. During the visit, officials conducted compliance checks and identified and marked buildings constructed without proper authorization from the authorities.