The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through the Department of Development Control, has served a 24-hour demolition notice to operators of illegal markets and owner of shanties along Karmo-Dei-Dei Road corridor in the FCT, with over 500 structures marked for demolition.
The Sector Monitor and Assistant Director in the department, Mr Garba Jibril, who led the exercise, said that the affected owners had been served with several notices, and that the Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, has earlier held a sensitisation meeting with the stakeholders.
Jibril explained that the demolition of the illegal structures was necessary because they constitute nuisance on the road, in addition to heavy traffic, especially on their market days, adding that their activities were equally posed environmental hazards.
The team lead also disclosed that the FCTA had awarded a contract for the construction of Life Camp–Dei-Dei Road, saying that the traders’ continuous stay on the road corridor was preventing the contractors from moving to the site.
According to him, the 24-hour notice was not to be toyed with as those who refused to comply will have themselves to blame.
He also said that the traders have been asked to move to Karmo Market, which has been designated for them, adding that the market was fully developed and equipped with necessary facilities.
“But the traders have been reluctant to move. We have had several meetings with the relevant stakeholders, including traditional leaders in the area to get them to move, but they remained adamant.
“We equally held a meeting with the traders and the new market operators, who promised to give the traders some incentives to be able to accommodate them in both the informal and the main shops.
“We are hoping that after the demolition, there will be a successful relocation from the road corridor to the main market. This will not only maintain a serene environment, but also ensure free flow of traffic in the area,” he stated.
