Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has enacted Executive Order No. 003 of 2024 to address the challenges stemming from unregulated urban development and disorganized traffic management within the jurisdiction.
The declaration was conveyed by the General Manager of Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Arc. Hart Bankat, on Tuesday, underscoring the imperative of controlling construction endeavors and optimizing traffic flow to enhance safety and the standard of living for inhabitants.
Emphasizing the escalating population in Plateau State, Bankat articulated that it has precipitated traffic congestion and hazardous construction practices.
Governor Mutfwang’s Executive Order No. 003 of 2024 is designed to redress these issues and foster sustainable development.
The key objectives of the executive order encompass the regulation of building construction activities and traffic management across Plateau State.
Bankat expounded that all forthcoming construction ventures must procure requisite permits and adhere meticulously to stipulated building standards.
Any unauthorized constructions will be subject to legal ramifications, including demolition.
Furthermore, initiatives such as designated parking zones and traffic signal installations will be instituted to streamline vehicular movement, with corresponding penalties for contraventions. Residents are implored to collaborate with authorities and comply with the provisions outlined in Executive Order No. 003 of 2024.
Further elucidation on the order’s particulars was provided by Bankat, alongside the state’s Commissioner for Information, Honorable Musa Ashoms, and other pertinent officials.
Regarding punitive measures, Bankat said: “Property owners of demolished structures shall bear the expenses incurred, whereas proprietors of unapproved buildings within the Greater Jos Master Plan area, who neglect to regularize their status within the stipulated timeframe, shall incur fines not less than ₦1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira only) for their failure to obtain requisite approval within the designated period.”
Additionally, he outlined penalties for infractions such as affixing posters on public infrastructure and engaging in indiscriminate parking practices within the metropolis, with associated fines totaling N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only).
Bankat also highlighted restrictions imposed on heavy-duty vehicles entering the Central Business Area between 6 am and 9 pm, along with the prohibition of stray animals within the metropolis, with an attendant fine of N250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) imposed on the owners of such animals.
The effective commencement date of the Executive Order is slated for June 10th, addressing building regulations, and March 19th, 2024, for traffic directives, with each phase spanning a 90-day duration.
* Media Report