The Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Shehu Ahmed, says the FCT Administration would demolish all structures on waterways across the nation’s capital.
Ahmed, made this known in a statement on Sunday, 2nd July 2023, explaining that some structures were preventing water from flowing freely through its natural course, which was responsible for flooding recorded in some parts of the city.
”People are clamoring that we act quickly and take tough decisions to save lives. And this is what we must do. We cannot act as though we don’t see this man-made problem caused by those who violate the Abuja Master Plan.”
” Buildings in Trademore Estate had been severally marked for demolition. Warnings have been given year after year but the occupants of the estate keep risking their lives and those of others.
”By declaring Trademore a disaster zone, we have told the residents there to evacuate. The area is on a low line zone which is not safe. Flooding can come at any time. They know this and have been experiencing it over the years”.
The executive secretary, who is the chairman, Special Ministerial Task Team on Flood Mitigation, revealed that a Police station in Trademore would be demolished and other buildings.
”The Police station in Trademore would be demolished. It will go alongside other buildings. We have engaged the FCT Police command and have provided a suitable place for them to operate from and fight crime.”
The executive secretary, pointed out that Trademore Estate, did not have FCDA approved building plan and the continuous flooded areas can best be left as Green areas and not residential and the estate was just one of the areas in focus as other areas where structures were built on floodplains would experience removal of illegal structures.
Story: Christy Dung