ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to property developers and members of the public to desist from encroaching on the Asaba Waterfront City project site, declaring that all illegal structures erected within the area will be demolished without notice.
In a statement signed by Victor Ebonka, Special Project Director of the Asaba Waterfront City, the state government stressed that the entire expanse of land designated for the project is government-owned, duly acquired, fully gazetted and free from any form of private claims, as all legitimate landowners had been adequately compensated prior to acquisition.
Barr. Ebonka, who gave the warning during an inspection of the project site in Asaba alongside officials of the Ministry of Lands and Surveys, expressed concern that some individuals had been defrauded by land speculators and other unscrupulous elements exploiting the rapid development in the area to deceive unsuspecting buyers.
He emphasised that the land remains highly encumbered government property, advising prospective land buyers to always verify the status of any land with the Ministry of Lands and Surveys, the Town Planning Office and other relevant authorities before entering into transactions, particularly in strategic development corridors such as the Asaba Waterfront City.
“That is why we are here today to mark illegal structures and fences for demolition. Occupants are not entitled to statutory notices because this is fully gazetted government land,” Ebonka stated.
He urged affected persons to immediately seek refunds from those who sold land to them illegally and to remove any structures or encumbrances placed on the site, warning that government would not hesitate to enforce the law.
“All illegal structures will be demolished, and those responsible will bear the full cost of the demolition. It is in their best interest to salvage what they can, as bulldozers will soon move in,” he warned.
The Special Project Director disclosed that ongoing excavation works on the site were preparatory activities for large-scale land reclamation. He identified North China Construction Company and Falklands Nigeria Limited as the two major developers currently operating in the area.
According to him, North China Construction Company is handling over 300 hectares for the development of the Waterfront City, while Falklands Nigeria Limited controls a larger portion earmarked for the Niger City project, noting that both developments would transform the area into two major modern cities.
Ebonka expressed confidence in the technical capacity and readiness of the developers, revealing that substantial portions of the land would be reclaimed within the next two to three months.
“In the coming weeks, there will be visible and extensive reclamation works. This marks the second phase of the project. The first phase covered access roads, payment of compensation and the securing of all statutory approvals,” he explained.
He added that the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Sheriff Oborevwori, had fulfilled all its obligations under the project by securing approvals and releasing required funds in good time.
“The responsibility now lies with the developers to carry out land reclamation, construction of the bond wall, provision of access roads and delivery of other world-class infrastructure as stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding,” he said.
Describing the Asaba Waterfront City as a fully integrated, self-sustaining and state-of-the-art urban development, Ebonka said the project would feature residential districts, an ICT hub, economic and commercial zones, as well as hospitality and leisure facilities.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for his peaceful, proactive and visionary leadership, noting that the prevailing peace in Delta State had played a critical role in the steady progress recorded on the project, and expressed optimism that, based on the current pace of work, the Asaba Waterfront City would be substantially delivered within the next three years.
