FCTA Pulls Down 135 Houses, Illegal Structures On Waterways

The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA on Friday made good its threat to clear structures obstructing water channels in the Dutse Makaranta area of the nation's capital.

This is as over 135 structures were pulled down, including residential buildings and entertainment centres. 

The area has been prone to flooding and the 2022 Flood outlook painted a gloomy scenario for its residents.

Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, Ikharo Attah who led the demolition team said the government has continued to serve notices on the affected residents noting that while many of them had evacuated their belongings, there were few others who stayed put. 

“We were here on Wednesday and commenced operations.

"We came back today to remove other structures along the flood plains.

“Like I said earlier, we thank God the rain fell last Sunday afternoon at about 1 pm and 2 pm when many had left the churches and schools were closed.

"The water got to the window levels but thank God the people had fled.

"The casualties here would have been extremely massive.

"The casualty figure would have been very alarming if the rain had fallen at night."

A resident of the area who identified herself as Ngozi admitted that her drinking spot was located on a flood channel, saying she did not build permanent structures because she had foreseen the action of government.