Efio-Ita Nyok|7 October 2017
A 3rd October 2017 poorly worded letter from TPL Abobana Edim Abobana's Department of Town Planning, Ministry of Lands and Urban Development with reference number: MLUD/TPC/S/257/Vol.11/122, and addressed to the Manager of Uwayen's Event and Bridals located at 29 Ndidem Usang Iso Road (former Mr Fans Eatery) has been ordered to 'return that property to its original use (eatery) within seven days' for illegally changing the use of the building to couturier without approval from Town Planning department NegroidHaven can say.
This letter has caused a mild controversy on Cross River cyberspace as it may have been misunderstood. First, one may understand the need for Uwayen's Events and Bridals to get an approval from the relevant government department, but, I find it difficult to rationalise the phrasing of the third paragraph of the now controversial letter which reads thus: '… Has deprived the Government of the needed revenue and corresponding impacting negatively on the traffic situation in that neighborhood'. This is the worst expression I have read from a government quarter. Second, between a couture service and eatery which causes more traffic 'situation in that neighborhood' —whatever it means!? Was the eatery still working or had packed up? If it had packed up, wasn't it because of the unbearable tax regime? Hmmm! Secondly, the last paragraph promises to demolish the said property if the manager doesn't return the property to the original use. I am totally confused. Is this government encouraging investment or deliberately suffocating it?
What follows is the reactions of some over the leaked letter:
Koko Bassey
I really don't want to believe this, what is happening in cross River State can someone highlight me please..was this same letter served to thumbs up ayade office? Or I don't understand mbok
Eyamba 'Felony' Henshaw
Hmmmmm dis is madness
Iwara Jesam Ofem
I'm shocked
Henry Ekanem
Can't believe this
Ambo Ramzi Nyce Michael
What is this again… Is this Government really ready for work or war?
Aneetah Izato
First question, is this a government owned property? If yes, the letter is legal
Wofai Ewa
The letter is in order. Engineering (Town Planning) practice demands so…Even if the building is yours, you need an approval for a change of use or classification. It could just be a WRITTEN APPROVAL.
Abasi-Effiom Okon
Pls sir that letter is not in order. No where in the world that a particular building will be built just for eatery. And secondly u can not threaten to demolish a built just like that. Secondly reading that letter the government there is talking about their revenue. There is what we call change of use in building and u pay contravention to the same government not to come and say u want to demolish my structure.
Robert Ani
Quick question…. if the original structure of the building was not in any way changed or altered but the land lord decides to use it for another type of business other than an eatery must he get approval???
Etim Udo
With all due respect, engineering and town planning practice has nothing to do with changes in internal structure of a building. Atleast not in Nigeria. Na wa o
Adedayo Omoteshe
My own problem here is that the MEMO or Letter/Notice did not state the section of the Cross River state Building Regulations of 1987 as amended, that has given them such power
Tessy Edodi Davidson
Actually it does, but that depends on how much changes was made, i am not so sure but i think its 60percent, which am so sure a bridal or makeup shop cant do an alteration of 60percent to that building, and lastly that building was a commercial building from the begining, so i dont understand their beef.
Andrea Inyang
Wofai Ewa in trying to showcase your acquired intellectual prowess, have you applied the wisdom of thoughts for the poor populace who may not be able to afford the cost of this "real estate professional practice?" or what ever name you call it.
All I see is a little young lady, who saved up her coins to fashion out a business so she won't stand on the street and prostitute but live responsibly.
Akiba Ekpenyong
Impunity.
Chelsy Ugbe
But the traffic generated from the fast food is more than that from the bridal shop….me am not understanding o
Eba Victor
Some people have gone mad again. This is absolute nonsense
Alfred Otu
Is this wickedness??… Well, I dont have all the fact….
Let government do well to encourage entrepreneurship in Cross River by providing the enabling environment, and let businessowners do the needful to avoid embarrassments. Let the City Chic be.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven
