Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) has commenced the removal of temporary and informal activities in Kaduna Metropolis.
The Head of Public Affairs Unit of the Authority, Nuhu Garba Dan’ayamaka, said areas affected by the action were NDA Bustop, U/Dosa area, Kawo area, Mando roundabout, Rabah road, NAF Club Gate, Katuru Road, Isa Kaita Road, Alkali Road, Babban Saura area (Millennium City), T/Wada area, Barnawa, High Cost Junction axis, among others.
The action, he said, followed public announcement in the media, sensitization visits, and stakeholders’ engagement meetings in order to give the affected people ample time to remove their properties as well as vacate those places.
The Authority maintained that, in view of the success recorded so far in urban planning and city beautification, the erection of shops, containers, kiosks, and signage without approvals, as well as the display of wares or goods on side roads, were sources of concern in view of the environmental hazard, traffic congestion, and security threat in the state.
During the enforcement exercise, some of those affected confirmed that the Authority had informed them, but cited poverty, socio-economic hardship in the country, non-completion of the modern markets, exorbitant prices of shops in the markets and neighbourhood centres, high rate of unemployment, and insecurity challenges as factors attributed to the informal activities along the roads in the state.
Others confirmed that such places were not meant for business operations but maintained that they had no other option.
Many affected by the enforcement action appealed to the government for alternative places to enable them to carry out their legal business activities.
In the meantime, KASUPDA has reiterated the need for cooperation in the bid to ensure urban sanity and a secure environment in the state.
