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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday carried out the demolition of about 11 duplexes constructed dangerously close to high-tension power lines and stream channels in Abuja.
Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who supervised the demolition, explained that the owners of the estate had applied for building plan approval but were denied due to the unsafe location.
He said the estate owners ignored multiple notices and written warnings to halt construction.
“This is Garba Duba Street, within the Dutse District of Abuja, Federal Capital City. That is phase two of the Federal Capital City, not far from popular Cedarcrest and Amina Court. We are here this morning to enforce notices that have been served,” Galadima stated.
“They sought approval and applied for a building plan, which we declined because it’s too close to a high-tension line and a stream channel. Despite this, they proceeded with construction.
“Notices were served at various stages, even during excavation. We communicated in writing for them to stop work, but, perhaps due to their institutional status, they disregarded the warnings.”
Galadima added that the FCTA engineering department had notified the estate owners about a planned bridge over the stream channel, which conflicted with their construction.
“Since this is a statutory allocation, the administration is ready to provide alternative sites,” he said.
“We advise that, as a federally important institution, they apply formally for alternative plots. So far, they have not requested this from the FCTA.”
He warned developers to always seek building approvals before starting any work and comply immediately if served with a stop-work notice.
The director also revealed plans to enforce penalties for offenders, including fines for costs incurred during site mobilisation.
“If you ignore these notices, your money will be wasted when we demolish your structures. Anyone intending to develop in the FCT should respect these regulations,” he warned.
“Urban and regional planning law requires that demolished structures pay for violations. We are working with the legal secretariat to enforce this provision.”
