By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Engineer Shehu Ahmad Hadi has explained reasons why the administration declared Trademore as a danger zone.
While adding that the area is on a low line zone which is not safe. Flooding can come at any time. They know this and have been experiencing it over the years, we have told the residents there to vacate.
Hadi who is also the Chairman , Special Ministerial Task Team on flood mitigation made this known when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television Flagship program, Dateline Abuja over the weekend.
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.
Saying, “ The Police station in Trademore would be demolished. It would go alongside other buildings too alongside other buildings. we have engaged the FCT Police command and have provided a suitable place for them to operate from and fight crime”.
” Most structures are preventing water from flowing freely through its natural course which is responsible for flooding recorded in some parts of the city”.
According to him: “People are clamouring that we act quickly and take tough decisions to save lives and property. And this is what we must do. We cannot act as though we don’t see this man-made problem caused by those who violated the Abuja Master plan”.
Responding to questions from anchor Chinwe Kayla Megwa on recent Severe flooding at Trademore Estate which reportedly claimed two lives, 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 in year out. They just keep risking their lives and that of others”
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.
