Abuja – The Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has indicated plans to sanction developers of abandoned structures in the territory.
Mr Hamza Madaki, the Acting Director of the department, gave this indication at an interactive session with FCT indigenes and the media on Thursday in Abuja.
Madaki said that owners of such structures would soon be summoned and given a deadline within which to put their structures to use.
He said that the idea of abandoning structures was worrisome, considering the current challenges in the country.
“These abandoned structures are in two categories; those under construction and those already completed but not occupied for a long period of time.
“The first category has about 405 structures scattered across the territory, of which about 100 developers have already responded to our summons.
“For those that have been completed, we intend to summon their owners and give them a deadline to get them occupied.
“If they fail to comply, they will face appropriate sanction.’’
The director said that the reason for meeting with the traditional rulers was to ensure synergy, so that the spate of demolition of structures would be reduced.
“Our ultimate target is to reduce the spate of demolition of illegal structures in the FCT by frequently dialoguing with the grassroots and sensitising their leaders on the right steps to take.
“Though indigenes’ houses are usually excluded from demolition until they are properly resettled, they are not allowed to build houses and rent them out to tenants.’’
He said that the department would regularly engage the indigenous leaders of Abuja so as to minimise conflict and create harmony.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, Mr Jacob Garki, the District Head of Garki, commended the director for convening the meeting.
He said that the traditional rulers should serve as a link between government and the people and gave an assurance that they would always cooperate with government.
“If there is a gap, peace might not be guaranteed.
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“We, traditional rulers, are like messengers who represent both the government and the indigenes and we will continue to represent all interests.’’
He advised the department to always liaise with them before carrying out demolition, so as not to wrongfully demolish indigenous structures. (NAN)
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