By Yakubu Lawal
The Katsina State Urban and Regional Planning Board has intensified efforts to remove illegal structures across the Katsina metropolitan area as part of measures to enforce proper urban planning regulations.
The board said the exercise was aimed at ensuring compliance with the Katsina State Development Control Law No. 2 of 2011, which governs physical development and land use within the state.
According to the board, its Development Control Unit began the operation with the demolition of unauthorized structures along Abba Musa Rimi Way and Dutsinma Road, particularly temporary sheds and shops attached to Kabir Usman and Sardauna Housing Estates.
Officials explained that many of the affected structures were erected under high-tension electricity lines, on waterways, and beyond approved road setbacks, while others exceeded the portions of land originally allocated to occupants.
The board described the developments as violations of the state’s development control regulations, noting that such offences are punishable under the law.
It added that contravention and eviction notices had earlier been issued to owners and occupants of the affected properties before the demolition exercise commenced.
The operation was supervised by the Director of Town Planning of the board, TPL Buhari Mani, with labourers and heavy machinery deployed to carry out the exercise.
In a related development, the board also removed temporary sheds and kiosks illegally erected near the GRA Bridge area of Katsina metropolis.
Authorities said the operators of the business outlets occupied the locations without official approval and were given an ultimatum to vacate the premises, but failed to comply despite repeated warnings and additional time granted for relocation.
The board further disclosed that some occupants attempted to resist the demolition exercise when officials arrived at the site, but security operatives assisted in ensuring the successful completion of the operation.
The board urged residents and developers to always obtain approval from relevant authorities before embarking on any form of land development or construction.
