The Kaduna State Government is set to demolish illegal structures built under high-tension cables at Barkallahu in Igabi Local Government Area.

It had issued an order asking the occupants of the illegal structures to vacate the area within 21 days or have them pulled down.

The State government said the buildings under the high-tension electricity cables were illegal and constitute a major security concern for the government.

Spokesman to the State Governor, Samuel Aruwan, told Channels Television that the government’s decision to demolish the illegal structures mostly in Barkallahu community was to prevent disaster and restore the city’s original masterplan.

According to experts, the required setback for buildings from the centre-line of overhead wires and horizontal distance between such buildings is at least six metres for 11KV wire lines, while nine metres is the recommended distance for 33KV wire lines.

Residents of the community claimed they were ignorant of the dangers of building under high-tension cables.

Although they admitted of not having the certificate of occupancy for the buildings, they appealed to the government to consider their plight by providing them with an alternative settlement.

The Kaduna State government stated that there was no ulterior motive in the planned demolition, as the owners of the structures were adequately notified.

The governor’s spokesman explained that most of the houses contravened Section 29 of the Kaduna State Urban Development Agency (KASUPDA) Law No. 12 of 2015.

The eviction notice served to owners of the houses by the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority expired on Friday, August 19.

Pending when the bulldozers will move in, the residents are asking for more time or a relocation by the state government. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.

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