SOKOTO URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD (S.U.R.P.B.) Are officials of this agency actually doing their job of properly charting a better course for human habitation in the Sokoto urban area and its environs? My neighbour at Mana Karama, Sokoto South L.G.A. has been shuttling to the board to complain against illegal extension and erection of new residential buildings beyond the presumed access road demarcated locally for vehicles, pedestrians and even animals in his neighbourhood. Initially, the board issued a stop order to the developers. However, after some few days, some of the officials of the board summoned both parties to the site and to our utmost surprise, the officials gave verbal approval to the developers to continue building; their simple reason is that, SURPB has no control over local land ownership (referred to as awon tsawo). That verdict, though not accepted, is far above our expectations that both parties might be made to shift grounds on the contention. It was expected that the developers would be made to forfeit some space to enhance the access road in question. POINTS TO PONDER What is the political strength or affiliation of my neighbour (as this is the current trend in disputes of this nature) in relation to the other party? Is this the best way to settle matters of this nature by the S.U.R.P.B.? Does it mean that the board has no power to control arbitrary erection of buildings even among local communities inview of negative repercussions on the community in future? Is demolition of the so called illegal structures at the so called lay outs the only solution to overcrowding in over-populated areas? In any case, no one needs to be highlighted on the implications of congested human environment with poorly manufactured access roads. We are living witnesses to some new areas in Sokoto where accessibility becomes a problem especially during rainy season or (God forbid), when there is fire disaster and fire-engines couldnt reach the points of the inferno. No amount of explanation can convince me that the SURPB cant check such menace especially in developing areas such as Mana and many other places where land developments progress. I rest my case.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:29:14 +0000
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