The residents displayed placards bearing various inscriptions and called on FCDA to stop its planned demolition of structures in the estate.
A protest has broken out in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital as gates of the popular Trademore estate were shut by the residents on Monday.
The protest is against the planned demolition of structures by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in the estate.
The residents displayed placards bearing various inscriptions and called on FCDA to stop its planned demolition of structures in the estate.
The Executive Secretary of FCDA, Malam Shehu Ahmed on Sunday disclosed that the FCT Administration would demolish all structures on waterways across the nation’s capital.
Shehu told journalists in Abuja that some structures were preventing water from flowing freely through its natural course. He blamed it for the flooding recorded in some parts of the city.
He said: “People are clamouring that we act quickly and take tough decisions to save lives. And this is what we must do.
“We cannot act as though we don’t see this man-made problem caused by those who violate the Abuja Master Plan.
“Buildings in Trademore Estate had been severally marked for demolition. Warnings have been given year after year but the occupants of the estate keep risking their lives and those of others.
“By declaring Trademore a disaster zone, we have told the residents there to evacuate. The area is in a low-line zone which is not safe. Flooding can come at any time. They know this and have been experiencing it over the years.”
Shehu, who is the chairman of the Special Ministerial Task Team on Flood Mitigation, disclosed that a police station in the estate would also be demolished.
He said many illegal structures were built on floodplains.
This comes days after the estate was declared a disaster zone following cases of flash floods which submerged houses and vehicles.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said more than 116 houses were submerged in the estate following a heavy downpour.