By Daniel Tyokua
Officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on Monday, visited scene of the vandalised sewage manhole covers at Independence Avenue in the Central Business District of Abuja.
Vandals had few days ago removed and vandalised some sewage manhole covers in the Central Business District.
The acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, Richard Dauda who led other officials to the area, said it was unfortunate that despite government’s efforts to provide infrastructure some residents were busy destroying it.
He commended security agencies for the protection of the infrastructure, but urged them to do more in safeguarding the facilities.
Dauda said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has directed that the vandalised sewage manholes should be replaced.
He said, “It’s really unfortunate that we’re having this kind of situation. It’s not the first time, even along this stretch, it’s not the first time and we keep coming back to replace them.
“Going forward, I’m sure the FCT administration will intervene very, very seriously in terms of checking vandalism within the city. But from the point of view of replacement, in order to save lives and property, particularly vehicles that ply this road, the minister directed, when the report got to him, that we immediately replace the ones that have been stolen.
“In this stretch alone, we have about 13 that were taken out, and because of the nature of our design, the infrastructure design, we have them in the middle of the road. There are sewer lines and storm water lines. They are load-bearing because they take the vehicular load, so they are specially made for that purpose.
“So replacing them, it takes time and It takes quite a deal of effort. But that is the effort we are doing in replacing them so that the road can be put to proper use again” Dauda.
