DTSG Embarks On Removal Of Illegal Structures In Govt Secretariat

In its determination to eradicate criminality in the state, the Delta State Government has commenced the removal of illegal structures in Old Secretariat Complex along Summit Road, Asaba.

According to the Director of Delta State Taskforce on Environment, who refused to identify her name, there was an issue in the Secretariat Complex wherein an administrative staff (name withheld) attached to the Ministry of Housing was murdered by one of the said illegal occupant.

She stated that as a result of this, the Delta State Taskforce on Environment investigated and realised that so many illegal occupants were living in the complex.

“This is an office complex not a residential quarter; some of the political appointees do not have office till date yet people are illegally occupying the space meant for government use.” she added.

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According to the director, it was also discovered that people sell alcohol, Indian hemp and even bring in call girls at night into the premises, adding that if these were curtailed from the onset the murder case would have been averted.

She stated that it was based on this that the government ordered the immediate evacuation of all the illegal occupants and anybody selling alcohol in the premises, saying that the illegal structures did not depict what the premises was meant for.

The director said that there was no plan to raise another structure except government decides to build offices there saying that the idea is to restore sanity in the premises.

“This will cut across all the secretariats in Delta State. Only those who sell soft drink, food and computer centres will be allowed to own shop in the secretariats, she further added.”

One of the shop owners, who pleaded anonymity, lamented at the short notice given to the traders by government, stating that if they had informed them earlier it would have given them the opportunity to look for alternative means.

The traders pleaded to the State Government to provide places for them to do their usual trades, saying that such gesture would enable them survive in this difficult economy that the whole world was passing through as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.