The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA, Engineer Shehu Ahmad Hadi has warned Trademore residents not to return to their flood prone houses.
Saying, the area has been declared a danger zone not good for habitation but for greens. The area is on a low line zone which is not safe. Flooding can come at anytime. They know this and have been experiencing it over the years”.
Hadi said most of structures are preventing water from flowing freely through its natural course which is responsible for flooding recorded in some parts of the city.
Engr Hadi who is also the Chairman , Special Ministerial Task team on flood mitigation stated the position of the Administration when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television Flagship program, Dateline Abuja at the weekend.
In his words, “People are clamoring 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”.
Responding to questions from anchor Chinwe Kayla Megwa on recent Severe flooding at Trademore Estate which reportedly claimed two lives, Engineer Hadi dismissed as untrue allegation that the FCT Administration has not given those affected sufficient notices. “Buildings in trademore had been severally marked for demolition. Warnings have been given year after year. They just keep risking their lives and those of others”
“ The Police station in Trademore would be demolished. It would go alongside other buildings too. We have The Police station in Trademore would be demolished. It alongside other buildings would go. we have engaged the FCT Police command and have provided a suitable place for them to operate from and fight crime”
The Executive 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.
Engineer Hadi noted that Trademore estate is just one of the Area in focus as other areas where structures are built on floodplains too would experience removal of illegal structures.
