Plateau board gives owners seven days to remove illegal structures

The Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) has ordered the removal of illegal roadside structures across Plateau State, giving owners of the affected structures seven working days to comply before enforcement begins.

In a statement signed by its General Manager, Arch. Hart Bankat, the Board directed owners of unauthorised kiosks, canopies, umbrellas, makeshift stalls, car wash facilities, car sales stands, temporary shelters and other illegal structures built along highways, road setbacks, roundabouts and government-reserved areas to remove them within the stipulated period.

The statement warned that anyone who failed to comply with the directive would face sanctions under existing regulations.

According to the Board, the enforcement exercise is aimed at clearing public spaces that have been taken over by illegal structures.

“Owners of unapproved kiosks, canopies, umbrellas, makeshift stalls, car wash facilities, car sales stands, temporary shelters and other illegal structures erected along highways, road setbacks, roundabouts and government-reserved areas are required to remove them within seven working days,” the statement said.

“Previous notices issued over seven months ago were ignored, and illegal occupation and construction have continued at the Gyartagere Stone Crushing Site. All illegal occupants are now given a final 48-hour deadline to vacate the area,” the statement said.

The statement directed all occupants to immediately stop any further construction and vacate the premises within 48 hours of receiving the final notice.

The JMDB warned that the government would not be responsible for any property damaged or lost during the enforcement exercise and stressed that no compensation would be paid to affected persons.

“People with legitimate claims regarding the Gyartagere Stone Crushing Site are advised to visit the Board’s office without delay for clarification, as this notice supersedes all previous directives on the site,” the statement said.

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, landlords, business owners and residents to help disseminate the information and encourage those affected to comply with the directive.