In Abuja, Demolition of illegal Structures Begin

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), on Thursday, said it would soon begin the demolition of illegal structures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The AEPB Acting Director, Mrs Omolola Olanipekun, said in Abuja that the proliferation of illegal structures by the FCT residents had become worrisome.

“Since I assumed office as the Acting Director of the board, I have encountered some residents erecting illegal structures including wooden or plank houses.

“Also, there are the challenges of proliferation of illegal car wash spots in the FCT, as well as the indiscriminate disposal of wastes in some unplanned communities within the city.

“Even, there is indiscriminate dumping of wastes within the major exits and entrances of the FCT,’’ she said.

“The FCT administration has noted these challenges and mapped out strategies to ensure that these problems are tackled appropriately,’’ Olanipekun added.

She said that illegal structures would not promote the environmental health of the city, adding that such illegal structures and activities were not part of the FCT master plan.

According to the AEPB chief, such illegal structures and activities have negative impacts on the capital city.

She urged Abuja residents to cooperate with the FCT administration by ensuring that Abuja is free from illegal structures and other unsightly activities that dent the environment.

“We should resist any attitude that will not present Abuja’s good standards to the public.

“I want to remind everyone that Abuja remains the window through which the world sees Nigeria, therefore, we cannot afford to fail or permit just anything there,’’ Olanipekun said.