Edo govt clears moats, removes illegal structureThe Edo State Government has cleared the moat at Erediauwa in the Ekehuan axis of Benin City, removing an illegal structure on the moat following the expiration of notices earlier served on the illegal developer for contravening the state’s extant town planning laws.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City after the demolition of an illegal structure built on the moat, the Director of Development Control at the Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, Henry Enabulele, said the government remains committed to sanitizing the built environment sector.

He explained that the Ministry served the developer a stop-work notice as well as a removal notice, which he ignored and proceeded with the construction work.

Enabulele noted, “This is an illegal structure that is being erected on the moat but we have removed it today. You know the moat is a historical monument and the pride of the Benin people.

“We have been advising people not to build on the moats and it's very clear from what you can see here that somebody just started erecting a residential building on the moat. This is what the government will not condone

“We came here two weeks ago. It was through one media announcement that our attention was drawn to the information that somebody was erecting structure on the most. We came here and served them a stop-work notice and removal notice, but they still went ahead with the construction work.

“We came here to remove the illegal construction work but they attacked our boys. Today, we are back to remove the structure and that is what we are doing.”

He further stated, “I want to use this opportunity to advise our people to stop building on the moats, as well as waterways, high tension, power lines. Please don't build there.

“It’s your hard-earned money and it's advisable for you not to waste it. The State now has a master plan, the Benin City Master Plan, and the Regional Development Plan. So, for this reason, we are not going to tolerate an illegal building that fails to comply with the plan. We are not ready to tolerate anything illegal and against the master plan of Edo State.”