The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), via Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is set to embark on the massive demolition of structures on waterways within the nation’s capital city, Abuja, to avoid incidents of Flooding.
It was gathered that the demolition of buildings which would commence any time from now, may not be unconnected with the ravaging flood witnessed in major parts of the FCT in recent weeks.
Most affected by the flooding are estates located around Lokogoma, Kubwa, with Trademore Estate in Lugbe the hardest hit, where over 116 buildings were submerged by flood while a fatality was recorded.
Giving a clarification on the development, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Engr Shehu Ahmed, said the FCT Administration would demolish all structures on waterways across the nation’s capital.
Ahmed said 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 make 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 in 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”. He stated.
The Executive Secretary, who is the Chairman of the Special Ministerial Task Team on Flood Mitigation, revealed that a Police station in Trademore would be demolished and other buildings.
”We have 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.
He explained that the estate was just one of the areas in focus as other areas where structures were built on floodplains would experience the removal of illegal structures.
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