Delta Revokes 422 Allotted underdeveloped Lands converted into Mechanic Workshops, others

No fewer than 422 allotted underdeveloped plots of land converted into mechanic workshops and block industries in major towns/cities across Delta state have been revoked by the state government.

The state Commissioner for Lands, Surveys/Urban Development, Mr. Chika Ossai, confirmed to journalists in Asaba the state capital on Wednesday that the 422 underdeveloped lands were of several of such saying that government had taken steps to recover its lands being used by unauthorized persons across the state.

The commissioner who decried the increasing rate of underdeveloped lands in the state, particularly converted into mechanic workshops, block industries, emphasizing that this would not be tolerated. He pointed out that the conversion of such plots of land automatically portends an offense punishable in law.

He said: “We have revoked the 422 allotted underdeveloped lands, we have more to revoke. The block industries that converted the plots of land have defaced the cities and also distorted the original master plan of the towns/cities.”

While calling on owners of underdeveloped lands in the state to urgently do the needful, the commissioner noted with dissatisfaction the increasing numbers of underdeveloped lands in Asaba, Ibusa, Okpanam and its environs, saying that the lands converted into mechanic workshops and block industries hitherto are eyesore’ which do not speak well of the state.

He frowned at the distortion of the original master plan of Asaba, adding that necessary machineries were being put in place to restore the master plan of the capital city including other towns in the state.

“Asaba as the mirror with which visitors assess development in the state should be given a face lift that befits her status as state capital,” he added.

Investigation revealed that apart from the conversion of underdeveloped lands, into mechanic workshop/block industries, hoodlums are not left out as many a time the police have arrested them inside the place used as their hideouts.

But the commissioner assured the state government’s commitment aimed at curtailing illegal activities of owners of underdeveloped lands.