In preparation for the impending rainy season, Benue State has announced plans to demolish approximately 800 houses constructed on waterways to mitigate the risk of flooding. The General Manager of the State Urban Development Board, Mede Ternongo, revealed this during a press briefing in Makurdi, the state capital.
Ternongo emphasized the state government’s commitment to revitalizing the capital city and ensuring its infrastructure meets appropriate standards. The ongoing demolition exercise, which commenced with the removal of over 40 illegal structures obstructing major roads and streets in Makurdi, reflects this determination.
The first phase of the demolition has already addressed shanties encroaching on town areas and cleared blocked access routes, with plans to extend the exercise to cover the entire city. Ternongo underscored the importance of opening roads and access routes to enhance mobility and restore the city’s aesthetics.
To facilitate the demolition process, the state governor has pledged logistical support, including bulldozers, payloaders, and operational vehicles. Ternongo also mentioned plans to establish a GSM village for mobile phone dealers, with a suitable location already identified and approved by the governor.
However, Ternongo emphasized the importance of developers seeking approval from the State Urban Development Board before initiating construction projects. This proactive approach aims to prevent future unauthorized developments that could impede urban planning efforts and pose risks to residents.