Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike has set up a 19-member technical committee to conclude the relocation of Abuja’s largest mechanic village, Apo Mechanic Village in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), to a permanent site.
Thousands of auto technicians, spare parts dealers, and other service providers will be relocated from their current road corridor location to a more expansive permanent site in the Wasa district, a 15-minute drive from their current location.
However, contrary to speculations that a deadline has been issued for the mechanics to move to the permanent site, the minister said that no deadline has been given for the current occupiers to move out or risk demolition.
Wike also warned officials against nepotism in the allocation of shops.
During the inauguration of a 19-member technical committee on the relocation of auto technicians from Apo to Wasa, the minister, represented by the coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah, assured that the current site will not be demolished until a better alternative is provided and an orderly migration is ensured.
Obuah emphasised the need for a thorough enumeration of those to be relocated, ensuring that only eligible individuals currently operating on the road corridor will be allocated new spaces.
He also assured that the entire process, which includes technical, engineering, allocation, and resettlement tasks, would be completed within three months.
The committee comprises representatives from various departments including Development Control, Abuja Environment Protection Board (AEPB), Urban Affairs, Resettlement and Compensation, General Counsel and Legal Services, Lands, Urban and Regional Planning, Mapping and Surveying, Finance and Administration, and Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS/VIO).
Obuah stressed that the allocation of new shops will be strictly based on eligibility and not on personal connections. To ensure transparency and fairness, a database of all technicians and dealers will be developed.
Mandates secretary Mr Bitrus Lawrence Garki commended the minister for appointing capable leaders, thereby emphasising transparency and accountability in the relocation process.
He assured stakeholders of a fair process and urged the committee to address any potential complexities.
The committee chairman, Malam Abubakar Makama, expressed gratitude for the swift action taken to resolve the issue that has lingered for over 25 years.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration and transparency in creating a secure and organised environment in Abuja’s markets and motor parks.
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