By Daniel Tyokua
Barely two weeks of destruction caused by flood at Trademore Estate, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) said all structures still on waterways within the territory must be demolished.
The Executive Secretary FCDA , Engr Shehu Ahmed, said the demolition which will commence soon in major parts of the FCT would help to curtail the disaster.
He listed Lokogoma and Trademore Estates as major areas were the flood destroyed property and submerged houses.
Ahmed said some structures were preventing water from flowing freely through its natural cause which was responsible for flooding recorded in some parts of the city.
”People are clamouring 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”.
The Executive Secretary, 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.
“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.”
The secretary pointed out 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.
