The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the demolition of houses and other structures built on designated water channels and natural waterways across Abuja.
The enforcement exercise began on Tuesday in Maitama, shortly after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ordered the immediate removal of structures obstructing waterways following recent flooding in parts of the capital.
Heavy-duty equipment was deployed to the affected areas as officials from the FCT Department of Development Control began pulling down structures identified as obstructing natural water passages.
Wike issued the directive after inspecting flood-affected areas in Maitama District, where he ordered the immediate demolition of structures built on natural waterways and flood channels across the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister directed the Department of Development Control to identify and remove all structures obstructing the free flow of water, stressing that the enforcement would not exclude properties belonging to high-profile individuals.
Wike warned that owners of properties built on water channels should not expect preferential treatment, insisting that the demolition exercise would continue until the affected structures are removed.
“I’m going to bring those structures down. Any house that fell on the water channel will go down. From today till Saturday, if the Development Control likes to find any excuse to run away, they cannot,” the minister said.
He further directed officials to ensure that all buildings identified as being on waterways are demolished.
“Thank God the Director Development Control is here because if you are running away to find excuses, you can’t. We will demolish all those houses found on the water channel,” Wike added.
The exercise is part of the FCT Administration’s response to flooding and its effort to restore natural drainage channels and prevent further obstruction of waterways in Abuja.
