The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished a concrete water duct illegally constructed within a designated waterway in the Utako area of Abuja.
The structure, located on land marked as a green zone behind the former Tauba Hotel at Plot 1001, Ibrahim Tahir Lane, and designated as Park 293 in the Abuja Master Plan, was removed as part of ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and prevent the obstruction of natural water flow.
The demolition was supervised by the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Felix Obuah, alongside directors and agency heads under the Council.
Obuah explained that the administration had mobilised machinery and personnel to clear the waterway, warning that all illegal structures across the capital would be pulled down.
“A fortnight ago, I promised that every illegal structure in Abuja would go down. Today, we are here in Utako to ensure the demolition of a structure erected illegally within a waterway,” he said.
“Our goal is to clean up drains and waterways across the city to prevent flooding and protect lives and property. This action also sends a strong message to land grabbers and those flouting the Abuja Master Plan.”
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He confirmed that the individual responsible for the construction had been identified but was currently at large. He added that security agencies were working to apprehend the suspect.
Following the demolition, Obuah stated that the Department of Parks and Recreation would restore the affected green area to its original condition.
Also speaking, the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, Chidemelu Echee, described the development as a violation of the city’s environmental policy.
He said, “The green area was designed as Park 293, with a clear development plan in the Abuja Master Plan. Unfortunately, some individuals have destroyed trees and built on natural water channels, which is a serious disruption of the ecosystem.”
He warned that the waterways are part of a living system and any interference could result in environmental disasters, including flooding.
The FCTA reiterated its commitment to ensuring full compliance with urban and environmental planning standards throughout the capital, with a warning that all unapproved developments, particularly on waterways and green areas, would be removed without exception.
