By Peter Amine
The Plateau Government has demolished houses built on waterways in Jos, the state capital, to avoid impending flood disaster.
The demolition was partly in line with a letter from the Federal Government to 31 governors notifying them of impending flood in their states between April and November 2024.
Mr Musa Ashoms, Commissioner for Information and Communication, who was physically present when the buildings were demolished, said that the security of life and welfare of the people were sacrosanct.
Ashoms said that the state government would not allow anything that would constitute a threat to the lives and property of the people.
The commissioner urged residents to work with relevant agencies in order not to fall foul of the law.
Mr. Hart Bonkat, General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), said that the structures, if allowed to exist, would constitute a hinderance to the free flow of water.
Bonkat said that the structures erected on waterways were exposing parts of the city to the risk of flooding.
The JMDB general manager said that the government was not carrying out the exercise as a showoff but was telling anybody building on the waterways that it would no longer be business as usual.
“Before executive order three came out, there was executive order two that gave the Ministry of Environment power to clear all buildings on the waterways.
“The reason why we ask people to come for approval before erecting a building is for us to inspect and ensure that they are building in the right place or not,” he said.
Mr Samuel Daripa, General Manager of the Plateau State Environmental Protection Agency, expressed dismay with some residents who, despite warnings, were adamant.
Daripa said that those who fail to heed the warnings will face the law.
According to the general manager, any structure on the waterways would be demolished.
He urged property developers to seek approval from relevant government agencies, as failure to do so would attract appropriate sanction.
