Shehu Ahmed, the executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), has announced that the FCT administration plans to demolish all structures on waterways throughout the country’s capital.
Mr Ahmed made this announcement in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. He stated that certain structures were obstructing the free flow of water along its natural path, which has resulted in flooding in some parts of the city.
“People are clamouring 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.”
He mentioned that buildings in Trademore Estate had been identified for demolition. Despite warnings being issued year after year, the residents of the estate keep endangering their lives and the lives of others.
“By declaring Trademore a disaster zone, we have told the residents there to evacuate. The estate is on a low-lying zone which is not safe. Flooding can come at any time. They know this and have been experiencing it over the years,” he said.
Mr Ahmed, who also serves as the chairman of the special ministerial task team on flood mitigation, disclosed that a police station in Trademore will be demolished, along with other buildings.
“We have engaged the FCT Police command and have provided a suitable place for them to operate from and fight crime.”
Mr Ahmed emphasised that Trademore Estate does not have FCDA approved building plan, and areas prone to flooding should be maintained as green spaces rather than residential areas.
He further mentioned that the estate is just one of the areas under scrutiny, as other areas where structures have been built on floodplains will also see the removal of illegal structures.
