Plateau Moves To Check Building Collapse, Illegal Structures, Owners To Pay Cost Of Demolition, Forfeit Space

By Ayodele Oni

A new executive order in Plateau State has placed cost incurred in the course of demolishing illegal structures on their owners.

Apart from this, those erecting buildings without approval shall be liable to pay 50 per cent of the estimated value of such buildings.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has just  signed the Executive Order to control the illegal erection of buildings and traffic in the state.

The General Manager of Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Hart Bankat disclosed this at a press conference in Jos on Tuesday.

Bankat said Executive Order No. 003, 2024 became imperative considering the indiscriminate manner in which buildings were being erected and traffic control abysmally degenerated within the Greater Jos Master plan as well the prevalence of building collapse in the state.

The GM said, “The growing population in Plateau State has led to an increase in vehicular traffic and the haphazard construction of buildings, which has resulted in congestion and safety hazards in our cities.

“In order to address these challenges and ensure the sustainable development of our state, Governor Caleb, Mutfwang has issued Executive Order No. 003, 2024.

“This executive order aims to regulate the construction of buildings and the flow of vehicular traffic in Plateau State.

“Under this order, all new building projects must obtain the necessary permits and comply with building codes and regulations. Unauthorized constructions will be demolished in accordance with the law.

“Furthermore, the order also aims to streamline vehicular traffic by implementing traffic management measures, such as designated parking spaces, traffic lights, and road signage. Violators of traffic rules will face strict penalties, including fines and vehicle impoundment.

“We believe that by enforcing this executive order, we can improve the quality of life for all residents of Plateau State and create a safe and organized urban environment”

Bankat urged  residents to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the provisions of Executive Order No. 003, 2024.

Giving details of the Executive Order, the General Manager who was flanked by the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, and other government officials said the rates for processing fees and building plans fees shall henceforth be reviewed annually based on the zones.

He explained erecting a building without first obtaining approval is hereby prohibited, and the violator shall be liable to pay 50 per cent of the estimated value of such building.

According to him, owners of demolished buildings shall be made to bear the cost of such demolitions, while forensics shall be conducted on any building within the Greater Jos Master Plan that collapses due to structural defect and if it is found to be due to the carelessness of the Developer/Owner or boycott of due processes, such a site shall be taken over by the Government.

He added, “owners of buildings without approvals that are condonable within the Greater Jos Master Plan who have not regularized same within the time given shall be liable to a fine not less than 1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira only) for failure to obtain the approval within the stipulated period.

“Traders doing business on sites not designated for such shall cease immediately. Anyone in default shall have their items confiscated and same donated to the

Internally Displaced Persons Camp or the Correctional Centres.

“Pasting of posters on public infrastructure is prohibited forthwith and violators shall be liable to pay the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only)

“Indiscriminate parking of trucks, heavy-duty equipment, and other vehicles within the metropolis is prohibited and vehicles so parked shall be impounded and the drivers of same shall be liable to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) as penalty

“Trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles are hereby restricted from coming into the Central Business Area (Jos-Bukuru Metropolis) from the hours of 6 am to 9 pm, vehicles of defaulters shall be impounded and the drivers of same shall be liable to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only), areas referred to are as contained in the schedule attached to this order;

“Stray animals within the metropolis are hereby prohibited and such stray animals if found, shall be forfeited to the Government or the owners shall be liable to pay a fine of N250,000.00.”

Bankat further explained that the effective date of the Executive Order shall commence on 10th June and March 19th 2024, for building and traffic controls respectively and “have a life span of 90 days from the date of its commencement in each case, subject to renewal”