Special Development Zone: Gombe moves to census lands around Ahmadu Quarters Chima Azubuike, Gombe Gombe State Government on Tuesday, announced plans to undertake land census, adding that there are no plans to take over the properties of residents. Addressing newsmen at Ahmadu Bello quarters, Southern back 4 area of the metropolis, State Commissioner for Information, Julius Ishaya, said the team on Gombe Capital Special Development Zone Tax, headed by the Deputy Governor chose to embark on sensitization to enlighten residents. According to him, the area is not a layout by government but acquired through customary means, adding that individuals just acquired lands for farmlands and ended up constructing structures on it. He said, “We have told the residents to cooperate and know that the government don’t have any intention to takeover anybody’s land but government rather wants to improve and add value to the land that we have here, we say at the end of this integration this people will have access roads, there will be provision for different kind of services. “Knowing full well that these customary titles are right in centre of the city now and so these are the decision or part of the process the taskforce is working on is to in the time being integrate these customary titles into a layout based on the current existing structures. “The taskforce is going to embark on census of the current structures to make sure that we have what is currently existing to also say that with a very strong voice that all forms of new constructions should be suspended immediately so that it will give the taskforce the opportunity to carry out the sensors of what is existing and our technical people will begin the process of the integration of the customary titles into the government layout so that this place can have all the necessary requirement that a layout should have.” While urging the people to support the government towards ensuring that development is felt across board “Because this new policy and drive for the special development zone the taskforce is in the process of integrating and in cooperating these customary titles into a layouts. “And so, we have talk to the residents that there is no need for them to panic that there no need for them to be afraid of any form of molestation by government or any government taskforce. “And most importantly this people will have titles that will serve as collateral for them at whatever level they want to use it. So, we believe that government is working for the good of the people instead of the negative narrative that we have out there. “What we are telling the people is that now new structure should begin from now henceforth. We are asking the people to comply so that we are not pushed to the point of enforcing the compliance,” he added. Also speaking, Shuaibu Gidado, lauded the efforts of government to bring development to the area. He said, “We are satisfied with the census but we won’t be happy if they come here to demolish houses. Sending us away will bring problem because of the current economic situation.” |
Special Development Zone: Gombe moves to census lands around Ahmadu Quarters
