The Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, has elected to demolish all structures on waterways across the nation’s capital, its the Executive Secretary Malam Shehu Ahmed as disclosed.
Ahmed, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, 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 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 anytime. They know this and have been experiencing it over the years,” the statement read.
Ahmed, who is the chairman, Special Ministerial Task Team on Flood Mitigation, said a Police station in Trademore would be demolished with other buildings deemed to be obstructing natural water course.
“The Police station in Trademore Estate 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,” he disclosed.
The executive secretary pointed out that Trademore Estate did not obtain 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 removal of illegal structures.
