By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken steps to avert contamination of Usuma Dam.
This followed a joint site visit led by officials of FCTA Department of Development Control with other strategic agencies on Wednesday.
Speaking after some checks at the water source, the Director, Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima said the move was at the sideline of fears that unapproved activities around the dam could affect the Dam.
Galadima called for collective efforts to review the existing layout to curb the danger ahead.
He explained that, “There were concerns raised by different stakeholders as regards to the development along the proximity of Usman Dam. That’s why the Department of Development Control thought it fit to invite relevant stakeholders to visit the site and see on the spot what is really happening.”
Galadima warned that development pressure on the area is imminent, “You are thinking maybe it’s 50 years. No, by the next two years, we’ll see development behind the dam. So we have to put measures in place to safeguard this particular feature.”
The Director, therefore urged the agencies to assess the layout’s continued relevance and agree on sustainable measures. “Is the layout relevant? Is the layout adequate? If we feel there is a threat to the existence of this water body, we can write, so that posterity will judge us that we acted at a point in time. If we feel we can develop this district, but with certain measures, let all of us come up with those measures to guide its development.
On the status of Usuma District, he said it is opened for development, but only within the framework of the approved master plan adding that the administration may initiate a full layout review if necessary.
