…vows to prosecute developers
By Echeburu Oby
Subsequent to its threat, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has commenced the demolition of mass houses on waterways and flood corridors, to end perennial loss of lives and property in the area.
This is even as the authorities vowed to prosecute estate developers that sold the plots to unsuspecting individuals.
It would be recalled that FCTA authority had threatened to move its bulldozers to Lokogoma for the demolition of structures that have stood on the way of water.
The Chief Press Secretary to FCTA Mr. Anthony Ogunleye in a statement issued earlier this week said Lokogoma District housing numerous residential quarters in Abuja has been repeatedly hit by floods.
Ogunleye said residents of Lokogoma who have been negatively impacted by the constant flooding incidents have welcomed government’s move to remove structures constricting the waterways.
He said the residents made their position known over the weekend during a tripartite meeting between FCTA officials, various estate developers in the district and off-takers (owners of the buildings).
Director of the Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima who led the FCTA team for the interface with the residents prior to expiration of the two-week vacation ultimatum earlier handed them, expressed delight that the affected residents were willing to comply.
After a tour of the affected areas, Galadima stated that all was set for the planned removal of all offending structures in the coming week.
He said, “We are here because we promised to go along with the residents’ associations.
“The whole objective is to save lives and properties and we don’t pray for future occurrence of these unfortunate incidents. That’s why we are here this morning discussing with the residents’ associations.
It will be recalled that many lives have been lost while property worth several millions of naira were also destroyed as a result of torrential rain which led to the flooding of the whole community.
