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4,500 illegal structures escape demolition in Delta

By Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh (Uyo) and Owen Akenzua (Asaba)
06 September 2016   |   4:36 am
Delta State has decided not to demolish over 4,500 houses on government lands in Asaba. Instead, the government has inaugurated a task force to regularise the titles for owners of such buildings.
Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa

Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa

Akwa Ibom to partner private investors on housing

Delta State has decided not to demolish over 4,500 houses on government lands in Asaba. Instead, the government has inaugurated a task force to regularise the titles for owners of such buildings.

The programme affects property on government lands in Core Area IIA in Asaba.

Under the arrangement, which was approved by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, a range of fees will now be paid by the property owners in the area that will cover land allocation, approval of building plans and issuance of the new digital Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

For residential buildings, the fees range from N1.5 million for land up to 1,000 square metres, N2.5 million for lands between 1,000 to 3,000 and N3.5 million for those from 3,001 square metres and above.

Commercial buildings have a fee ofN2 million for lands up to 1,000 square metres, N3 million for those between 1,001 and 3,000 square metres, while those over 3,001 square metres attract a fee of N4 million.

State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Chief Dan Okenyi, said the lands belong to the government but were illegally acquired by individuals, who did not ascertain the status of the lands.

Okenyi said those affected are expected to pay the fees and obtain titles to the lands within 90 days.

The task force is led by Mr. Alex Eboka, a surveyor with Mr. Chuks Iku as secretary.

In Akwa Ibom State, the government disclosed that an arrangement was in advanced stage to partner with investors on its housing programme.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal, Dr. Valarie Obot, said during the 2017 Capital Estimates Bilateral Discussions with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that the ministry would soon construct Unity Luxury Estate and the Worship Hall for Akwa Ibom State, among other projects.

According to her, government intends to give a face-lift to some towns in the State including Itu, Ikot Abasi, Abak and Etinan.

She expressed the hope that, once the law on property tax is passed, it would help generate revenue for the state to help fund some of the housing projects.

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