FCTA demolishes illegal structure in Maitama

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) development
control department on Wednesday pulled down an illegal structure in
Maitama, Abuja for lack of building approval.
The structure, which was being erected in a garden adjacent to the
Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was said to be illegally erected as the
site was not designated for residential buildings.
A member of the demolition team and chief town planning officer of the
department, Mr Nathaniel Danladi, told the News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) that the owner of the building had ignored several warnings to
halt development at the site.
"It is an illegal development in the inner northern expressway and it
has been under construction for over four years.
"We gave several warnings for the owner to stop work but the person
will stop for a while and continue again," he said.
He said that the department of development control was not only meant
to maintain the Abuja master plan in satellite towns within the FCT
alone but also within the highbrow areas of the capital city.
The Head of Public Relations of the department, Mr Kalu Emetu, said
that the building, apart from not having an approved plan was also
being constructed in a green area.
"You can see for yourself that this is a garden which is meant for
recreation and is leased out for a period of time by the relevant
government agency"
"The fact that a permanent structure is being erected in a garden like
this already makes it illegal,'' Emetu said.
The site engineer of the building, who simply identified himself as
Musa however told NAN that the building had an approved plan in
custody of the owner who travelled out of the country. (NAN)