The Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA) has intensified demolition exercise on illegal structures erected under high-tension power lines at Etete, GRA in Benin City, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce development regulations and safeguard public safety.
The operation was carried out by directors and staff of the Agency, in collaboration with officials of the Protection of Government Properties Agency and security personnel, to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise.
Speaking during the demolition, the Director of Planning Permits, Town Planner Nosa Asemota, explained that the exercise was aimed at protecting lives and property, noting that structures under high-tension power lines pose serious health and safety risks. He stressed that the action would promote a safer and more orderly city.
Asemota warned residents against giving money to individuals who claim they can authorize or regularize illegal developments, and emphasized that such actions are not sanctioned by the Agency. He revealed that despite earlier demolitions, some residents had returned to erect new structures under the power lines. In his words, “Residents in this area should note that living under these power lines is very dangerous, it is not healthy and it is not safe. We are appealing to residents to stay far away from this place.”
On reclaiming the area, Asemota disclosed that the Parks and Garden Agency was putting measures in place to beautify the environment, including fencing the area with barbed wire.
During the operation, the ESDBCA Team also served demolition notices on shop owners at the timber shade area in Etete, advising them to comply with planning regulations to avoid enforcement actions.
Evelyn Unuigbe
PRO
ESDBCA
