Taraba State Government moves against illegal structures to sanitize capital city
By Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
In order to bring out the beauty of the Taraba State Capital city and also get rid of criminal elements operating in some quarters in the name of business owners, the Taraba State Government has embarked on operation clear the metropolitan roads
The exercise which is been carried out by the ministry of Rural and Urban Development, is aimed at taking off all illegal structures and sheaths raised at close range with roads of the capital city
Feeding questions from Journalists in his office in Jalingo, the Commissioner for Rural & Urban Development, Hon Peter Julius, said the exercise was aimed at bringing out the serenity, beauty and orderliness of the town and driving away criminals who have taken advantage of other places to perpetrate evil acts at nights
The Commissioner expressed dismay that instead of appreciating the bold step taken by the state government to fix the town, some persons had taken to destructive criticisms and are tagging baseless meanings to the exercise
He disclosed that before the exercise, the ministry had engaged relevant stakeholders, unions and associations at different fora, where the need to embark on the exercise was extensively discussed and resolved.
He also noted that quit notices were served to all business owners operating at the illegal places long before the exercise commenced, advising that business owners should always contact the Ministry of Urban & Rural Development before choosing a site for any business to avoid had I know.
“We are not in anyway, depriving anybody of his business by this exercise, what we are doing is to make sure that every business owner takes a proper place to operate his or her business.
“The packing spaces of the city roads are prepared for pedestrians and other related uses, but unfortunately, market men and women have taken over and blocked even the drainages that water is expected to pass freely.
“Some of them sale fish at the middle of the roads, especially at Jalingo market. These activities create unfriendly odour, making the environment and the food the sale, dirty and unhygienic. Some also raised structures that blocked views of drivers and pushed people thronging on roads such that cases of accident are too common
“This exercise will enable them to take proper positions and give our capital city a friendly serenity. It will cut down the level of insecurity in the town and will go along way to minimize some roadside accidents that are being reported regularly in the town”. He stressed.
While applauding the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas for doing so much for the people of the state within the shortest time, the Commissioner lauded the bold step taken by the governor to reposition the capital city, noting that various markets, were being developed by the governor for all business owners in the town to move in and operate effectively.
“The governor has fully developed the Kefas Palliative Market at Kpanti-Napu. Security outfits, toilet facilities, office accommodations and perimeter fences are provided in some of these designated markets to provide security and convenience for people transacting in the markets”. The Commissioner added.
