FCTA Demolishes 11 Duplexes Built Under High-Tension Lines, Near Stream Channels

TOYIN ADEBAYO,

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday demolished 11 duplexes erected under high-tension power lines and close to natural stream channels in Abuja, following repeated warnings and stop-work notices ignored by the developers.

The Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, on Thursday supervised the demolition exercise along Garba Duba Street in the Dutse District of the Federal Capital Territory, said the action became necessary after the developers went ahead to construct the buildings despite being denied approval.

“This is Garba Duba Street, within the Dutse District of Abuja, not far from Cedarcrest and Amina Court. The estate developers applied for building plan approval, which we declined because the site is too close to a high-tension line and a stream channel. Despite several stop-work notices and written warnings, they continued with construction,” Galadima said.

He explained that the FCTA’s Engineering Department later confirmed that a proposed bridge project was planned across the same stream channel, further justifying the demolition.

Galadima, however, noted that since the property sits on a statutory allocation, the administration is open to granting the developers alternative plots once they formally apply.

“What we advise is that since this is a statutorily allocated plot, the FCT Administration can consider giving them alternative sites, being an important institution of the federal government. But they have not yet applied for any replacement,” he added.

The Development Control boss warned all prospective developers in the FCT to always obtain proper building approvals before commencing any construction, emphasizing that failure to heed such directives attracts serious consequences.

“If you are served a stop-work notice, please comply immediately. Don’t assume your status or influence exempts you from the law. The FCTA will soon begin surcharging offenders to cover the cost of mobilizing for demolitions,” Galadima stated.

He further disclosed that the department, in collaboration with the Legal Secretariat, is finalizing plans to enforce provisions of the Urban and Regional Planning Law, which require property owners of demolished structures to pay for the cost of removal.

“If you don’t respect the law, we’ll allow you to waste your money and then bring it down,” Galadima warned. “We’re now working on ensuring that every demolished structure pays the surcharge as stipulated by law.”