Ondo State Nigeria Demolishes Buildings Blocking Waterways

• The Ondo State Government has commenced demolition of structures on waterways and government setbacks in Akure.
• The exercise aims to reduce flooding and erosion risks during the rainy season while enforcing physical planning regulations.
• Developers and property owners have been warned against erecting buildings without approval, with sanctions including demolition for non-compliance.

The government will not compromise on physical planning regulations. Any structure erected in violation of approved standards or located on government setbacks and waterways will face appropriate enforcement measures.

The Ondo State Government has launched an ambitious effort to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion in Akure, its capital city. At the heart of this initiative is a demolition exercise aimed at removing structures erected on waterways and government setbacks. The operation, which began along Oyemekun Road, a major artery in the city, forms part of a broader campaign by the state government to address urban planning issues. By targeting developments obstructing natural drainage channels, authorities hope to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall during the rainy season.

The demolition exercise is closely tied to Ondo State's efforts to enforce physical planning laws and promote orderly urban development. According to officials, developers and property owners have been warned against erecting buildings on waterways or within government setbacks without approval. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has intensified monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with approved building plans. Any structures found to contravene planning regulations risk facing sanctions, including demolition.

Following the removal of obstructive structures, authorities plan to expand blocked waterways and construct concrete retaining walls to improve drainage and control erosion. The expansion is expected to be completed within two weeks, paving the way for similar enforcement exercises in other parts of Akure and later Ondo town. Government engineers have already assessed the condition of underlying layers beneath sections of the road, with some areas showing signs of deliberate attempts to obstruct drainage channels.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the practical implications of this development, including potential liabilities for property owners who have erected structures on waterways or in contravention of approved building plans.

Source: Original reporting via Premium Times Nigeria