Flooding: FCDA braces up for massive demolition of structures on waterways

By Stanley Onyekwere

Following the recent ravaging flooding witnessed in major parts of Abuja, the authorities of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has disclosed advanced plans to embark on massive demolition of structures on waterways within the nation’s capital city, Abuja to avoid incident of Flooding.
Recall that over 116 buildings were submerged by flood while two people allegedly lost their lives in Trademore Estate along Abuja Airport Road, in Lugbe, as well as other estates located around Lokogoma and Kubwa amongst others.
Giving a clarification on the development, the FCDA Executive Secretary, Engr. Shehu Ahmed, who said the FCT Administration would demolish all structures on waterways across the nation’s capital, the exercise would commence any time from now.
Ahmed noted that 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 in a low-line zone which is not safe. Flooding can come at any time. They know this and have been experiencing it over the years”, he stressed.
Also, the FCDA boss, who is the Chairman of the Special Ministerial Task Team on Flood Mitigation, revealed that a Police station in Trademore would be demolished and other buildings.
He said: “We have The Police station in Trademore 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 however disclosed that Trademore Estate did not have 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 the removal of illegal structures.