In a bid to correcting some of the noticed problems in the State capital as witnessed during the recent flood, the Kogi State Government has disclosed that houses,10 meters along the major road in Kabawa area of Lokoja,will have to give way in its urban renewal policy .
The State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, stated this while on an inspection tour of the water line and roads submerged by water during the floods in Lokoja.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi and Chairman, State Emergency Management Agency, disclosed that efforts will now be made to develop Lokoja as a modern city by correcting its distortion.
While noting that the presence of water in the State should enhance beauty and tourism and not dirty environment, said government will henceforth ensure enforcement and control laws guiding buildings along shorelines.
The State Government, the Governor explained will in the couple of days, after fine turning its road widening law, send a Bill to the State Assembly, to enable the acquisition of buildings 10 meters from the edge of the road along old market and Kabawa area of the State.
The law he noted when passed will allow properties to be acquired,while their owners will be compensated financially and provided alternative plots.
He directed the State Town Planning Board to begin the marking and taking of inventory of buildings that fall within the 10 meters line.
Temporary buildings along the water line the Governor disclosed will be demolished leaving only the semi permanent and permanent structures.
The Governor directed those already selling wares along the shoreline following the water recession to vacate, as government he noted is committed to making the necessary corrections towards avoiding the mistakes of the past.
The Governor was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioner for Land and Housing, as well as that of Works and Transport.
