Puntland launches operations to bulldoze illegal buildings in Garowe

The administration of the semi-autonomous regional state of Puntland  on Saturday started pulling down different structures constructed in open spaces and other prohibited areas in suburbs of Garowe town.

The exercise to bulldoze the structures was conducted under the supervision of officials from the Land, Housing, Municipality officials, police force together with local leaders in respective areas.

Garowe mayor, Hassan Mohamed Godir said   they targeted houses,buildings and infrastructures that have been allocated and developed without permission and it will take place in three days from today and is expected to end on Monday.

He said owners of houses that are being demolished in the mentioned areas will not be compensated as they breached the law by building their infrastructures without permits from the Municipality.

“There are some building that are being demolished for the second time now. We demolished them years back but they have been reconstructed, under this scenario their owners have to cover demolition costs,” said Godir.

According to sources, despite a heavy police presence, angry residents protested at being evicted.

Residents looked on as their properties were demolished. Many were angry that officials had not raised objections when the structures were being built.

“Where will I stay? When this was being built where were the authorities? These people take bribes and allow construction,” said one angry resident identified Mohamed.