By Stanley Onyekwere
In furtherance to keeping Abuja green, the FCT Administration has concluded plans to commence audit and revalidation of over 1,000 parks and recreational centres, in the nation’s capital city.
Director, FCT Department of Parks and Recreation, Mr. Isaiah Ukpanah, who disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with owners and operators of parks and recreation owners in Abuja, said the exercise will be concluded within three months period.
Ukpanah added that the department has also taken steps to reclaim and maintain all green areas to keep Abuja green, while explaining that the exercise was in line with the renewed hope agenda of the current administration to ensure that residents of the FCT get the best of service.
He noted that the exercise would ensure that all operators of parks and recreation centers operate according to the provisions of the FCT Park Policy, 2019.
He explained that the policy provides guidelines for the operation and management of parks and recreation centers in the FCT.
He however, revealed that none of the over 1000 approved parks have been licensed to operate in line with the provision of the policy.
According to him: “This is why we are carrying out the auditing and revalidation of the parks to ensure that all operators operate in accordance with extant laws.
“After the exercise, those whose parks meet minimum requirements will be issued an operational license while those below standard will be taken down.
“There is also the issue of parks inspectors as provided for in the policy to maintain order in the parks.”
He added that the department would write to the appropriate authorities to seek clearance to recruit the officials who would serve as park inspectors and safeguard green infrastructure.
He explained that the policy classified different aspects of green in the FCT – nursery, open space green strips, road reservations, buffers and stream valley among others and designated for green conversation.
Ukpanah, however, opined that there was some violation of green areas, particularly commercial activities taking place in the green areas which must be reclaimed and restored.
Responding to the development, President, Parks and Garden Owners Association in FCT, Mr Ahmodu Abechi, said it was a move that would help improve their operations in the Territory.
He therefore commended the department for coming up with the initiative, while assuring to give maximum support to ensure success of the exercise.
