The Federal Capital Territory Administration is set to demolish about 10-storey buildings built on waterways and green areas in Wumba District of the FCT.
A visit to the district yesterday by the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, Chief Felix Obuah, in company of the FCT Director of Development Control, and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Director, revealed gross violations and refusal to comply with ‘stop work’ notices served on the developers.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Obuah assured that all the contravening structures would be removed to allow the free flow of water, while those in green areas would also be removed to restore the master plan and appropriate land use.
In the same vein, the Director of Development Control, Muhktar Galadima, assured that the structure would be demolished in 48 hours.
Galadima noted that several ‘stop work’ notices were served on the developers, as evidenced in the markings on the walls, but the developers were obstinate and continued building.
Some of the structures are in the roofing stage, while others have been roofed. Some are at the level of electrical installations.
Obuah said, “I’m here again today to ensure that we’ve mobilised equipment and personnel to demolish the illegal structure in this area, which is obstructing the waterway.”
Recall that they were in Guzape on Monday, where he supervised the removal of 18 illegal structures.
Reinforcing his determination, he stated, “Just as I mentioned earlier, the entire structure will be demolished. We must sanitise this area and prevent such illegal activities from happening in Abuja.
“This is necessary, because the Minister, Nyesom Wike, has good intentions and is doing his best, so for those of us on the ground, it’s our responsibility to take action to support him.”
He said that after identifying the problems, the next line of action is to clean up the place and restore the master plan.
“We’ll restore this area to its original state. We’ll clean up the drainage system to prevent flooding, which could affect nearby buildings. We aim to clear the waterways of any obstacles, including buildings and structures.”
He said, regardless of the cost of the structures and the cost of the demolition exercise, what is important is to clear the waterways and prevent illegalities.
“That’s our top priority. If we allow these illegal structures to remain, the entire area will be flooded, causing suffering for many people,” he stated.
For his part, the Director of FCT Development Control, Muhktar Galadima, who gave the number of affected structures as 10, said his team was ready to take action in 48 hours.
“We didn’t give them approval and when you look around, you would see it’s evidence that we marked these structures at different stages of development but the unfortunate thing and by our attitude, people don’t like to respect our constituted authority the only language Nigerians understand is the language of bring it down.
“The developer was invited and asked to stop work, but it seems the only thing they would understand is when the structures are brought down.”
When asked how many structures would be affected by the demolition, he responded, “We are looking at over 10 structures. Some are roofed, and some are not yet roofed.
“So Development Control will come over here with our machines, and in less than 48 hours, everything here should go down.” Galadima stated.
Also, the AEPB counterpart, Osilama Braimah, said every district must have recreational areas and parks and would not allow developers to take them over.
“These spaces also provide a good microclimate. However, this district will suffer the consequences of losing these trees, vegetation, and foliage.
“Unfortunately, they are being cut down; these structures must be demolished to reclaim this area. This is a serious violation.” He stressed.
He warned that the consequence of not having green areas is grave and negatively impacts the environment and livelihood.
“The proliferation of concrete buildings retains and radiates heat, making the area hotter. Having designated green spaces is essential to maintain a conducive ambient temperature.
“When concrete covers everything, it prevents percolation, leading to increased flooding downstream. Roofs and roads also prevent percolation, resulting in increased flooding.”
