Alhaji Sanusi Tukur-Faru, the Special Adviser to Gov. Aliyu Wamakko on Urban and Regional Planning Board says the Board has demolished several illegal commercial and residential structures in the city and its environs. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tukur-Faru disclosed this in Sokoto on Sunday at the ministerial press briefing. He said: "these illegal structures were erected without the due approval of the Board. This was in contravention of the laid down town planning rules and regulations". Tukur-Faru added that the demolished structures were located at Gwiwa area, Nakasari Sama, Tsafe and Arkilla roads. He vowed that the state government would not fold its alms and allow unscrupulous persons to contravene the law for their selfish interests.
"We will make sure that all such structures are pulled down not minding whose ox is gored," he pledged. The Special Adviser maintained that the Sokoto master plan would not be compromised,
saying, "it must be allowed to be implemented religiously". Similarly, the Board plans to relocate car
dealers operating within the city to a central location soon, he said, adding, "same will be done for cement block industry operators". Tukur-Faru added that the Board had also given up to the end of this month for "street traders" to relocate to the Sokoto Central Market or meet the wrath of the law.
According to him, the Board has also concluded plans to undertake a proper house numbering and street naming in Sokoto metropolis with a view to provide "easy guide" to places especially for first time visitors. He said that the state government would construct additional drains in the city to prevent the perennial menace of flooding. "We will also rehabilitate and service all the out-fall drainages in Sokoto city and its environs," he added. He solicited the support of the people of the state by "rallying round the state government" to ensure a filth-free and properly planned city.
