…says Gov. Diri in order
A United Nations Peace Ambassador, Arc Miebi Bribena has stated that the demolition of illegal structures, shanties and other structures obstructing Right of Ways by the Senator Douye Diri led Prosperity Administration is in compliance with the Yenagoa city Master plan.
He commended Governor Douye Diri for having the political will to implement the urban renewal policy which is aimed at giving the state capital a face lift, and, as well reduce crime and criminality rate.
According to him, ‘I have been privileged to be a member of the inter ministerial committee on Urban Regeneration under an administration in this state in 2007, but that administration did not have the political will to implement our recommendations and that has led to the present outlook of Yenagoa 13 years after.
The plan we had was to take Bayelsa out of urban squalor to ensure that we fall back into the proposed master plan.
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‘Bayelsa has a master plan and the plan we had was not only to remove illegal structures but also legal structures that are affected with payment of due compensation.
He, therefore, commended Governor Diri for taking a right decision, adding, that, if it is not done, Bayelsa will end up being a slum rather than a befitting state capital.
Arc Bribena added that most of the affected structures, prior to this time were hideout of criminals, adding that with the demolition exercise the crime rate will be drastically reduced while there will be free flow of traffic, especially with the proposed flyover in Tombia axis and other affected places.
The UN Peace Ambassador, however, faulted the claim that the owners of the affected structures were not given notice prior to the demolition.
He argued that traders at the popular Swali market were given prior notice before the exercise was carried out.
His words, ‘I remember those people in Swali market were given enough time frame. They were advised to take up shopping accommodation in the existing shops. Similar gesture was extended to the traders at Kpansia market.
He called on the local government administration to focus more on the modernization of the neighbourhood markets, describing it as another means of boosting the Internally Generated Revenue at the state and local government levels.