Business
Tourism: Plateau Bans Erection Of Structures
The Plateau State Government has banned the erection of any form of structure on the many hills scattered around the state.
The General Manager, Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Mr Mathias Hata,told our correspondent in Jos on Tuesday that such structures had always defaced the natural beauty of the state.
“Plateau is a home of tourism and we have to preserve the beauty by keeping the hills intact; no one is permitted to erect any structure on top of hills.’’
Hata disclosed that many structures had already been marked for demolition and explained that many of them were around the Bauchi Ring Road and Naraguta areas of Jos city.
The official said that structures to be erected within the Jos and Bukuru axis must be permitted by the JMDB.
He explained there was a committee on city renewal saddled with the responsibility of approving temporary structures that would be erected “for some period of time’’.
Hata said, however, that an embargo had been placed on the approval of temporary structures.
He listed some structures that could be considered illegal and be demolished to include those erected on government lands, waterways and drains as well as defective structures.
The General Manager said the JMDB was poised to recover the lost beauty of Jos by adhering strictly to its original masterplan.
Hata stressed the advantages of a well planned city to include better security, improved traffic flow and a cleaner environment.
“A well planned city will also ease the need for proper ventilation and street lights, as well as the provision of recreational centres.’’
He advised Plateau residents to continue to support the JMDB to make Josan attractive city.