Kwara to stop illegal buildings close to dam

The Kwara State Government is making moves to remove all illegal buildings close to Asa-Dam and its environs, which pose unnecessary risks to human lives and property.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade, dropped this hint in Ilorin during an unscheduled inspection visit to the Asa-Dam Area.

According to a statement by the Assistant Press secretary in the ministry, Adewoye Oluwatosin, made available to the press on Sunday, the Commissioner specifically warned the residents of Asa-Dam, Marina, and Lasvager Estates to stop any form of illegal construction close to the Asa-Dam River, Marina Estate, and its environs.

Lade said that building houses or any form of construction too close to the Dam and Asa River poses a big risk to people’s lives.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Christiana Asonibare, also warned that the state government will not take this issue with levity, especially now that it poses a serious danger to human lives.

Also speaking during the visit, the Director of Engineering Water Resources services, Engr. Yusuf Wopa said that a standard distance measure between the river and any form of building construction must be provided along Asa-Dam, even if the land is acquired legally.

In his contribution, the Deputy Surveyor General of Geographic Information Services, Mr Afolayan Timothy, said that an investigation would be carried out to ascertain the approval of those buildings allegedly constructed illegally on government property.

He said that once it is clarified that those lands were not approved by the government-authorised officers, necessary action to evict them from the land shall be taken.