FCTA demolishes buildings under high-tension lines

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday demolished 11 buildings comprising three- and four-bedroom flats in the Apo-Dutse area of Abuja for violating building regulations.

Director of the Department of Development Control, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, said the action followed the developers’ persistent disregard for official warnings and notices to halt construction on the site.

Galadima explained that the estate was illegally built beneath a high-tension power line and on a section designated for a planned bridge project.

According to him, although the developers were originally allocated the plot, the allocation was made in error. He said the FCTA had offered them an alternative site, but they declined and continued building without approval.

“This is a statutorily allocated plot. The developers applied for building approval, but we declined because the site is too close to a high-tension line and a stream channel. Despite repeated notices and written warnings, they continued work,” Galadima said.

He added that the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) Engineering Department had already marked the area for a bridge construction, leaving no room to regularize the illegal buildings.

Galadima ruled out any compensation for the affected developers, stressing that only properties with valid approvals are eligible for compensation when affected by government projects.

He also hinted that the erring developers may face prosecution and penalties, including bearing the cost of the demolition.