The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) says it will commence the demolition of the illegal shops adjoined to the Area 1 shopping complex on Monday.
Muktar Galadima, FCTA director of the department of development control, announced the decision on Sunday during a meeting with traders and owners of shops at the complex.
He told the traders that the meeting was to reach an understanding with them before carrying out the cleaning exercise.
Galadima said the attachment shops, other illegal constructions and parking lots have made the roads around the complex impassable.
Advertisement
The director said the illegal shops would be removed to clean up the environment.
He added that the unhygienic conditions within and around the facility pose a high health risk to the residents nearby.
“The way the market is, it’s very congested and unhygienic and therefore, not good for the safety and health of the traders and customers as well,” Galadima said.
Advertisement
“God forbid, 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. Remember we were here last year to do some cleanup, but this time, it is different.
“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 sanitise it in line with the vision of the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration in sanitising the Federal Capital Territory.”
Advertisement
He called for the support of all stakeholders of the market, adding that the FCTA would make necessary arrangements to provide alternative shops for those who would be affected by the cleanup.
Add a comment
