Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu
The Bauchi State Government has explained reasons for demolishing container shops along major roads in the Capital.
Demolition of the shops has generated reactions from business and shop owners who lambasted the administration of Bala Mohammed for taking away their means of livelihood.
While reacting to this during a media chat organised for the residents, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kawule said the government demolished the illegal roadside containers and structures to restore and maintain the master plan of the state which has been distorted by the previous administration.
Kawule said the illegal containers were mostly erected on highly dangerous traffic areas where they cause avoidable accidents for motorists and passerby and occupying the green areas reserved for the citizens’ safety and beautification of the state.
According to the Commissioner, "the decision to embark on these projects was not in connection to destroying or sending people away from the state but rather creating an enabling atmosphere for both traders where they would continue with their businesses without any hindrances.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Land and Survey, Maryam Katagum explained how those who were affected by the exercise wouy be relocated to a new permanent site in the state.
She mentioned some of the affected places which includes Adamu Jumba, Bauchi Club, GRA, Wunti Market, Murtala Mohammed Way, Ahmadu Bello Way among others.
She further disclosed that the government has identified and provided land to relocate all the affected traders at strategic locations within and outside the state, especially all the roads that link to other states with a view to create clusters of shops for them.
She denied rumours going round that the governor wanted to send people away from the state, saying the present administration of Governor Bala Mohammed is a highly committed and loving Governor whose dream is to make Bauchi a hub of business centers in the region and country at large.
In his part, Commissioner for Internal Security and Domestic Affairs, Barr Abdulhamid Bununu said the exercise is to make the state free from any kind of criminal activities among drug dealers, kidnapping and attacks by gangs of thugs especially in the night.
He disclosed that some of the illegal structures became a haven for many criminals who smuggled into the state from neighbouring states to papetrated their evil act mostly at night.
It could be recalled that the state Governor Bala Mohammed has vowed to restore the Bauchi master plan during 15th North East Trade Fair against those who encouraged or trespassed by building illegal structures on either green areas or pedestrian walkways across every major street in the state.
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