Kano State Government has demolished illegal structures erected on a parcel of land in the Sharada area of Gwale Local Government Area of the state, warning that individuals involved in the development would be prosecuted.

The Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar M. Umar, disclosed this on Monday during a development control exercise at a stretch of land located beside the Sharada Police Station down to Kwanar Ganduje in the Sharada axis.

According to him, the government discovered that some individuals had begun erecting structures on the open land without approval.

He explained that the area was originally designated as a recreational space meant for residents of the Federal Housing Authority estate in the area.

“This place is supposed to be a park, a recreational garden owned by the residents and the association of residents of the Federal Housing Authority,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the land was intended to serve as a relaxation spot where families and residents could spend their leisure time.

“But unfortunately, some unscrupulous elements, with the backing of some people, have decided to turn this into a commercial venture,” Umar said.

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He added that the government became aware that some people had begun constructing shops and other structures on the land, a development he described as illegal.

Umar said the state government would not allow the conversion of the space into private commercial property, stressing that development in Kano must follow laid-down procedures.

“We are a law-abiding state, and there are laws guiding any development in Kano State,” he said, noting that any individual or organisation intending to build must obtain approval from the Kano Urban Planning and Development Agency.

He stated that any building erected without the approval of the agency is considered illegal.

The commissioner said the government had already demolished the structures that were under construction on the land.

Umar also assured residents that authorities would continue to monitor the area to prevent further illegal development.

He added that the government plans to convert the land into a recreational park for the benefit of the community.

“Our eyes are here on this stretch of land. We assure the residents and their association that this land will be converted to a recreational centre for their own benefit,” he said.

According to him, documentation relating to the land is currently being sorted, adding that whoever holds ownership rights must ensure that it is used strictly as a park and recreational centre.

“We will not allow this place to be converted into a commercial venture,” he said.