For the beauty of a city: The story of Ilorin metropolis road setback reclamation

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWAGIS) has launched a road setback reclamation exercise in Ilorin metropolis.

Anyone who has not visited some parts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital for a while should view the city differently now due to the demolition of illegal roadside structures and reclamation of road setbacks.

WESTERN POST reports that the demolition exercise was a rude shock to many residents as structures considered untouchable were pulled down after notices of demolition were served on the occupants.

Consequently, parts of the city is now set to wear a new look due to road expansion projects and beautification.

The road expansion has become imperative due to the geometric growth of population in Ilorin metropolis and the increased vehicular movements, necessitating the demolition of structures on road sideways and reclamation of the road setbacks, WESTERN POST learnt.

Areas affected include; Post Office, Station Road, Taiwo Road, Mount Carmel School, Oloje, Sulu Gambari Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Tanke Junction and the recently marked Offa Road.

Of interest is the Post Office Road, a central route for students, civil servants, traders, linking many routes in the Ilorin metropolis with it’s usual hustle and bustle.

After the demolition and reclamation

Mixed reactions

As expected, the demolition has generated varying reactions from the public.

Speaking with WESTERN POST, a middle-aged man, Adeolu Adeoti said, following it’s decongestion, the Post Office Road axis is now a clear departure from what it used to be.

According to him, the encroachment on the walkways and setbacks up onto the main road by the roadside traders was responsible for the traffic congestion on the ever busy route.

Also, Mrs Muibat Salami admitted that the area now enjoys the free flow of traffic as against what obtains before the setback demolition. She however, lamented that some of the traders who used to meet their daily needs from selling on the roadsides have been adversely affected by the exercise.

Reclamation in good faithGovt

But the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service, ESV Abdulkareem Sulyman, during the reclamation exercise at Sulu Gambari Road in Ilorin, said the ongoing reclamation exercise was done in good faith, without bias or favour.

According to him, the government’s commitment to the reclamation of all government setbacks is in line with the directives of the Federal Government to enhance the aesthetics and serenity of the state.

The geographic information service boss said the exercise was belated due to the magnanimity of the Kwara State Government, citing the example of other states of the federation that had embarked on such exercise a long time ago in line with the Federal Government directives on “safe schools initiative”.

Sulyman vowed that all government road setbacks would be reclaimed for public benefit, adding that the importance of maintaining the iconic status of Ahmadu Bello Way as the seat of power cannot be overemphasized.

He urged all those affected by the policy to bear it in good faith as it is in the best interest of all to enhance the aesthetic of the area and ensure the security of lives and property in the state.

The chairman, however, advised the public to desist from encroaching on government road setbacks for commercial ventures, imploring residents to comply with the seven days notices granted before demolition, in line with extant laws, insisting that no illegal building will be spared, no matter how highly placed the owners are.

As the exercise continues, it is hoped that when completed the aesthetic purpose and other aims of government would be achieved and the illegal occupants will not return to the road setbacks in no time.

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