By PHILIP YATAI

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of an estate illegally built on a green area in Guzape, Abuja.

Wike gave the order during routine inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja on Monday.

He explained that the plot was initially allocated for Park and Recreation but was converted into residential without approval.

He said that beyond demolishing the estate, the allocation would be revoked, adding that the FCT Administration would strictly enforce planning regulations in line with Abuja Master Plan.

The Minister warned that the government would not tolerate deliberate violations of land-use approvals.

He lamented that many developers deliberately flout planning laws because they believe government officials would eventually leave office, allowing them to regularise illegal developments.

“People think that government will come and go and they will continue what they are doing. We will not allow that here. It does not matter who is involved; we will do the right thing.

“This place was given for Park and Recreation not for the development of an estate. But from what you have seen, they are developing it into an estate, which is a clear violation.

“We will not allow that,” he said.

Wike noted that some developers have taken advantage of bureaucratic loopholes and sometimes connive with insiders within government agencies to obtain approvals for illegal projects.

He said that while some civil servants may be involved, “it will not stop us from doing what is right”.

Speaking on inspected projects, the Minister said that the move was to assess the progress of major projects expected to be inaugurated to celebrate President Bola Tinubu third year in office.

On the road network linking the Renewed Hope City in Karsana to Kubwa, Wike said that significant progress has been recorded and expressed optimism that it would be ready for inauguration.

Wike also inspected Arteria Road N16 from Ring Road II to Ring road III, linking Jahi and Gwarimpa.

He described the quality of work as “impressive” and expressed confidence that the project would be completed by the end of May.

The Minister equally inspected the Airport Road to Kuje Highway as well as the Kuje Road to Gwagwalada and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work so far.

According to Wike, road construction remains central to the Administration’s broader transportation strategy for the FCT.

“You cannot have a good transport system without connectivity and a strong road network. When there is good road infrastructure, transport becomes easy and efficient,” he said.

The Minister reiterated the Administration’s commitment to continue to enforce planning regulations while delivering infrastructure that improves mobility and opens up communities across the FCT. (NAN)

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