The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration has demolished unauthorised parks at Apo Zone E, Gudu District, Abuja.

The department also demolished an illegal development on a green area in the district.

The Director of the department, Mukhtar Galadima, said during the exercise in Abuja on Tuesday that the structures were built without the government’s approval.

Mr Galadima, who was at the scene along with the officials of the Department of Parks and Recreation, said that the action of the developer was a gross violation of the Abuja Master Plan.

He explained that the parks were demolished for extending their structures into a road corridor without authorisation.

He added that the illegal structure built on a green area also obstructed waterways, which, if allowed, could lead to erosion and flooding.

He explained that the illegal structures were discovered during the department’s weekly inspection of ongoing developments in the Federal Capital City.

“During our normal weekly inspection today at Apo Zone E, Gudu District, we discovered strange developments in the area. The structures were built on green areas and water channels and so we have to stop the work. We will continue to monitor developments, and any illegal developer that refuses to stop unauthorised development will be arrested. Other structures that have been completed will also be pulled down,” the director said.

On his part, Director, Parks and Recreation, Chinemelu Echee, said that the administration would reclaim all green areas converted to other uses.

Mr Echee decried indiscriminate cutting of trees by those carrying out illegal development, saying, “such acts must be stopped. All parks discovered to be operating without genuine approval will not be allowed to stand.” 

(NAN)