Authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration have disclosed plans to demolish all illegal buildings and shops attached to Area 1 Shopping Complex in an effort to sanitize the area.
The Director of FCTA Development of Development Control Muktar Galadima, made this known during a pre-notice meeting with store owners and traders at Diplomats Park preceding the exercise in Abuja.
He said the enforcement became necessary to guard against miscreant activities, wrong parkings which before now, made human and vehicular movement difficult in that area.
Galadima pointed out that the FCT Administration made the decision to consult with the market managers in order arrive to an agreement before to carrying out the clean-up exercise.
He further explained that the congested and unhygienic nature of the market, would automatically make rescue mission difficult should there be any form of emergency in the complex
“The way the market is very congested and unhygienic is not good for the safety and health of the traders and customers”.
Mr Galadima also stressed the need for the traders to have a centralized generating set in the complex to guard against noise pollution. and littering every shop in the market with generating sets.
“God forbud, but imagine if there is any fire outbreak in this market, it will be disastrous, and rescue operations impossible.
“As a government, we do not have to wait for that to happen before we take action…We are going to remove all the attachments, and create space inside the market for parking. We are not happy with the traffic situation caused by activities of this market so we will sanitize it in line with the vision of the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration in sanitizing the Federal Capital Territory”, Galadima said.
He called for support of all stakeholders of the market , assuring them that the Administration will make necessary arrangements to provide alternative shops for affected persons.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Usman Utaru who thanked the FCT Administration for calling them for a meeting before enforcement, pledged members readiness to assist the authorities in sanitizing the market for the overall development of the city.
Writing By Remi Johnson; Editing by Jennifer Ogor and Daniel Adejo