By Faridat Salifu
Over 500 illegal structures and shanties have been marked for demolition along the Karmo-Dei-Dei Road corridor in Abuja the nation’s capital city.
The Department of Development Control, under the auspices of the FCT Administration (FCTA), has given 24 hours ultimatum quit notice to owners of all illegal markets and shanties along the or risk demolition.
The FCTA said the illegal structures and shanties has encroached on the road corridor and they have been marked for demolition following the issuance of 24-hour wuit notices served on owners of the affected structures.
Garba Jibril, the Sector Monitor and Assistant Director in the department, led the enforcement exercise in Abuja on Monday, stressing the necessity of removing these structures due to their disruption of traffic flow, particularly on market days, and their contribution to environmental hazards.
The decision to demolish these illegal structures comes after repeated warnings and sensitization efforts by the FCTA, including a meeting with stakeholders facilitated by Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of Development Control.
In the meantime the FCTA has awarded a contract for the construction of the Life Camp-Dei-Dei Road, but the presence of traders on the road corridor impedes progress.
Despite numerous engagements and appeals to relocate to the designated Karmo Market, traders have been reluctant to comply, citing various reasons.
Jibril emphasized the gravity of the 24-hour notice, warning that non-compliance would result in consequences for the affected traders.
He reiterated the availability of Karmo Market, equipped with necessary facilities, and the efforts made by stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition for traders.
The ultimate goal of this enforcement action is to restore orderliness to the road corridor, alleviate traffic congestion, and uphold environmental standards.