Determined to prevent avoidable danger posed by illegal development, Ogun State government says its campaign against haphazard erecting of structures is sacrosanct.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL. Olatunji Odunlami, stated this during a routine enforcement exercise by the Central Monitoring Unit of Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) in Abeokuta South Local Government and around the interchange area of Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Physical Planning Compliance and Enforcement, Mr Babatunde Olugbewesa, the Commissioner noted that government was committed to making life more abundant for the people by ensuring that the physical environment was developed, in line with the Master Plan of the state.
The Acting General Manager, Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA), TPL. James Idowu, in an interview with newsmen, said clearing of kiosks and shanties in front of African Church Grammar School, Ita- Iyalode was necessary, warning that commercial activities around public school premises would not be tolerated.TPL. Idowu affirmed that the Ministry had served those concerned with notices of contravention before the enforcement.
“There is no way government can embark on enforcement without prior notice. The illegal structures have even been sealed before but the owners removed the seal and continued trading, which is an added offence to the illegal erection of buildings.
“We will not condone illegality, no matter the state of the economy. Shanties are not encouraged anywhere in Ogun State, as they pose environmental danger to the immediate environment through poor hygiene and the possibility of outbreak of diseases. People take advantage of the industries along the expressway to build shanties, which is not encouraged in Ogun State”, he said.
