Flood: Dev’t Control intensifies removal of structures in Logoma

By Stanley Onyekwere

As part of proactive measures to avert devastating flooding in Lokogoma District of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) officials of Development Control Department has increased tempo in demolition activities of obstructing structures in the area, even as the rainy season sets in.
In particular, the continued intensive demolition exercise planned for this week mainly affects structures built on sewage lines, road corridors, power lines and green areas, in resulting to reoccurring flooding and death especially during rainy season in the District.
Recall that no fewer than one hundred and twenty one building situated in water ways through which Rivers Wumba and Kabusa navigate were marked for demolition by the FCT Administration which commenced in July last year by was stop as a result of heavy down pure.
However, the removal of illegal structures in the area was suspended by the development control department last year due the heavy rains.
Several developers in Lokogoma District had allegedly built houses on flood plains and water channels, which often lead to severe flooding that affect lives and property.
Explaining the resumption of the removal exercise in Lokogoma, Director, Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima noted that adequate sensitisation has been carried on the exercise.
Galadima noted that after the sensitisation the FCT Administration is receiving adequate corporation from the residents noting that the demolition exercise will be completed before the rain commences fully.
He further explained that the clearing exercise which also affected structures around Galadima Roundabout was meant to make way for an ongoing expansion project of Ring Road 2, where there is are provisions for interchanges.
He added that the ongoing projects was also meant to make the area accessible and to make it possible for the construction firm handling the project to continue with their project in safely and orderly manner.
He added that the exercise would be extended it up to Suncity and Sunny Vaile estates, to make sure that the corridor is free from all informal activities.
Not left out, one of the owners of recreational Parks, where structures were demolished in the area and Former International Footballer, John Fashnu noted that he requested for the exercise to enable better structure put in place.