By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Department of Development Control said it has marked and served demolition notices to 35 illegal structures in Utako and parts of Gwarimpa.
Director, Development Control, Mr Muktar Galadima disclosed this during a sensitization exercise on Tuesday in the area.
He said the department was committed to safety of the residents, and to project their wellbeing.
Galadima explained that the department remained committed to maintain the original design of Abuja master plan, by riding the city of illegal structures that are capable of defacing the nation’s capital.
According to him, the Utako area had been recently marked for demolition, which he further said would be demolished and handed over to the Nigerian Police to build its Utako Police station.
He also revealed that the concern to the department is the rate of illegal developments around waters ways in Gwarinpa corner shops.
“The reason why we have to visit Utako again is because the police force have a plot there that is about 2 hectares and they have submitted their design to develop the place and we processed the plan and granted approval to them to commence development.
“We were involved in the process of negotiation and compensation of the people that were affected but thought it wise that it would be important to sensitize the people occupying the area so it will not be some sort of coronation and that is why we said it is important to meet with the people and explained to them about our intention to demolish the area tomorrow.
“We are following due process the owners of plot have submitted their plan and we have approve it so now they want to commence development.
“There was an understanding between the police force and the Indigenous Communities and FCT Administration in this context, the Development Control Within the process of development some of the indigenous houses will be affected and we have meet with them and resolve that some them can stay with their kids and kinsman, while that can find else will look at on how the police force can accommodate them in such places” he said.
