Some residents affected by flood in the 42 housing estates at Lokogoma district in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have pleaded with the authorities to take appropriate measures before commencing its planned demolition slated for next weekend.
This followed the expiration of two weeks demolition notice given to most of the house owners in the district, which will elapse next week.
One of the residents and a victim of the Lokogoma flood, Malam Habeeb Abdulkadir urged the FCT Administration to consider the pains his family and others would going through before pulling down the structures.
He stated this when FCT permanent secretary, Mr. Christian Ohaa met with Lokogoma District Residents/ Owners Association and the estate developer in Abuja Thursday.
According to him, ” My house is not mark for demolition, but over 9 years now I have been facing flood problem, I have moved my entire family to a new place, it is really hard for me” he said.
The chairman, Lokogoma District Residents/ Owners’ Association, Dr Joseph Nnorom appealed to the FCTA authorities to follow due process in carrying out the demolition.
He stated that prior to the building of structures in the area necessary approvals were secured.
“We have not err in building or occupying houses in Lokogoma district, FCTA officials gave the approval. So, we are not wrong because all due processes were followed” he said.
However, the FCT permanent secretary, Chinyeaka Ohaa said there was no going back on demolition of buildings on water channels.
He insisted that pulling down of the structures built without approval from FCTA Department of Developmental Control should not be questioned by anybody.
“The demolition is going to start next week and no going back about it, is better to have life than houses. FCT Administration will not forgive any of its staff that colludes with the developer without due process from FCDA” he said.
He said the demolition is not aimed at causing pain to those affected but to open up water channels.
The Permanent secretary assured the residents that the administration will compensate those with genuine approval.
