The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday, demolished a nearly-completed mini-estate in the Dutse District of the FCT, asserting that the developers ignored repeated warnings that the land was unsuitable for construction of houses.
The estate, which contained more than ten duplexes and four two-story duplexes, was constructed illegally beneath a high-tension power line and inside a stream channel designated for a future bridge. It was situated on Sam Mbakwe Street next to Cedar Crest Hospital.
Mukhtar Galadima, the director of the Department of Development Control, who oversaw the destruction, disclosed that the developers’ application for a construction plan approval was specifically turned down because of the risks connected to the site and the proposed infrastructure.
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“They requested for approval and applied for building plan approval, which we declined for the fact that it’s in close proximity to high-tension line, as well as a stream channel. So, we declined to grant approval, but they moved ahead to work,” he said.
He explained that his department served stop-work notices at every stage of construction, starting from the initial excavation.
“We even communicated to them in writing that the work should be stopped. But unfortunately, maybe considering their institution and agency, they moved on,” he added.
The FCTA director adamantly rejected any monetary compensation for the loss of the structures, even though he acknowledged that the plot was awarded incorrectly.
When asked why the FCTA allowed the structures to reach such an advanced state before acting, Galadima was unequivocal, placing the responsibility on the developers.
Galadima declared that the FCTA would start charging offenders for the expense of destruction, marking a significant shift in policy.
He affirmed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC)-approved new demolition equipment was being purchased to improve the department’s enforcement capabilities.
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He affirmed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had authorised the purchase of new demolition equipment to improve the department’s enforcement capabilities.
Galadima suggested that the developer submit an official request for a different piece of land to the FCT Administration.
