The Ebonyi State Government has sealed an unapproved building project at the former CBN office along Ezza Road, Abakaliki, which was being converted into a hotel.
The project was sealed following directives from the state Commissioner for Capital City, Regional and Urban Planning, Hon. Richard Idike, and the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Board of Internal Revenue Services, Rt. Hon. Christopher Omo Isu.
Our correspondent reports that a team of the implementation Taskforce of the State Board of Internal Revenue, during an inspection tour of the property, observed that the ongoing conversion of the former CBN office into a hotel was being done without the requisite building approval from the appropriate authorities.
The Commissioner said: “This development left us with no alternative but to seal the property in accordance with the state’s physical planning and urban development control regulations.
“The Ebonyi State Government is committed to ensuring orderly physical development, proper urban planning and strict compliance with approved building standards within the Abakaliki Capital City and other parts of the state.”
Idike urged property owners and developers to always obtain the necessary approvals before commencing construction or changing the use of an existing structure. He further warned developers against undertaking projects without approval, noting that his Ministry would continue its monitoring and enforcement activities, to safeguard the capital city from uncontrolled and unplanned development.
The Management staff of the Ministry, and Taskforce Team also urged developers and property owners to cooperate with the government and ensure that they obtained the necessary planning and building approvals before embarking on construction or conversion projects.
The sealing of the former CBN office forms part of the ongoing efforts by the Ebonyi State Government, to enforce development control regulations and promote a properly planned and safe Capital City.
