The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to property developers and the general 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.
The warning was issued in Asaba by the Special Project Director of the Asaba Waterfront City, Hon. Barr. Victor Ebonka, during an inspection tour of the project site, alongside officials of the Ministry of Lands and Surveys.
Barr. Ebonka said the state government, duly gazetted, lawfully acquired the entire land earmarked for the Asaba Waterfront City, and that all affected landowners had been fully compensated, stressing that the area is government-owned and therefore heavily encumbered.
He expressed concern that some individuals had been misled by land speculators and unscrupulous elements exploiting the ongoing development to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
According to him, prospective buyers must always verify the status of land through the Ministry of Lands and Surveys, Town Planning authorities and other relevant agencies before committing funds, especially in high-value development corridors such as the Asaba Waterfront City.
“That is why we are here to mark illegal fences and structures for demolition. Occupants are not entitled to statutory notices because this is fully gazetted government land,” Ebonka stated.
He advised those affected to immediately seek refunds from persons who sold land to them illegally and to remove any structures or encumbrances placed on the site.
“Government will not hesitate to act. All illegal developments will be demolished, and those responsible will bear the full cost,” he warned, adding that heavy equipment would soon be deployed to clear the area.
Barr. Ebonka explained that the ongoing excavation works were preparatory to full-scale land reclamation, disclosing that North China Construction Company and Falklands Nigeria Limited are the two major developers currently operating on the site.
He said North China Construction Company controls over 300 hectares for the Asaba Waterfront City project, while Falklands Nigeria Limited holds a larger portion to be developed as Niger City.
“These are two major cities that will emerge here in the near future,” he said, expressing confidence in the technical capacity of the developers.
According to him, substantial reclamation is expected within the next two to three months, marking the second phase of the project, following the completion of access roads, compensation payments and statutory approvals in the first phase.
He noted that the Delta State Government, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, had fulfilled all its obligations by securing approvals and releasing funds promptly.
“The responsibility now rests with the developers to deliver on land reclamation, construction of the bond wall, access roads and other world-class infrastructure as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding,” he added.
Describing the Asaba Waterfront City as a fully integrated, self-sustaining, state-of-the-art urban development, Barr. Ebonka said it would feature residential districts, an ICT hub, commercial and economic zones, as well as hospitality and leisure facilities.
He commended Governor Oborevwori’s proactive and visionary leadership, noting that the prevailing peace in the state had been instrumental to the steady progress of the project.
Barr. Ebonka expressed optimism that, at the current pace of work, the Asaba Waterfront City would be substantially delivered within the next three years.
