FHA to demolish shops over encroachment on Gowon Estate

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The demolished shops

A row of newly constructed shops along 5th Avenue Roads, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos may be pulled down, following claims by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) that the developers flouted the master plan and encroached on the existing facilities.

The Guardian investigation revealed that the shops was erected after the developer demolished and re-constructed stalls in the market with the permission of the Mosan/Okunola Local Council Development Authority.

Already, some subscribers have made payments before the officials of the agency marked the shops for demolition. The shops are structured into two categories; the locked up stalls, which goes for a N1, 000,000 and the open stalls pegged at N300, 000. Each application also paid N5, 000 to obtain the form.

Efforts to speak with the developer, identified as Gbenga on the situation proved abortive while the Mosan/Okunola Local Council Development Authority information Officer, Mrs. Oyekemi Oyebiyi said the new Chairman is not aware on the development as she recently assumed office.

In a letter titled: “Notification of further construction of Open stalls at 5th Avenue, Gowon Estate for Alimosho Local Government/Imosan/Okunola Local Council Development Area, signed by FHA Zonal Manager, South West, Mrs. Aisha Onotu, declared that the council have not only blocked the draining through the construction but have also encroached on the 5th Avenue.

FHA also stated that the stalls are also built under high-tension cable and ordered the removal or demolition of all the structure, as they are not in conformity with the master plan of Ipaja estate.

Speaking further on the development, the Head Corporate Communication (FHA), Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho said the construction was not authorized by the agency, necessitated the issuance of the contravention notice to the Local Government.