The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has cautioned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) against adding to the 28 million Nigerians without access to decent and affordable houses.
HURIWA gave the warning amidst criticisms trailing the planned demolition of over 60 houses in the Trademore Estate in the Lugbe area of Abuja.
The National Coordinator of the group, Emmanuel Onwubiko, at a press briefing held on Sunday in Abuja, insisted that the plans to demolish the estate after its development plan was approved by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) as far back as 2004 makes the whole demolition agenda a nullity.
He demanded immediate restraint from the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola from going ahead to demolish the houses.
The group added the FCTA should not add to the poll of 28 million Nigerians lacking access to decent and affordable housing, according to estimates by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
HURIWA also expressed concerns over the recurring collapse of buildings within Abuja, saying the latest collapse of a building in the Life Camp area of Abuja again reinforces the fact that the FCTA officials are grossly indulging in compromise.
The FCTA took the decision to demolish the houses following recent flooding of the popular estate leading to the destruction of houses and property.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has appealed to the residents of communities affected by flooding in the FCT, to remain calm, assuring that necessary steps are being taken to address the situation.
Senator Kingibe who visited TradeMore Estate assured residents that due process will be followed in resolving every concern caused by the phenomenon.
The lawmaker had on Thursday at the Senate, noted that the flooding disaster in the FCT is a devastating issue for the citizens and must be addressed immediately.
She added that solution to environmental challenges as witnessed at Trademore must be tackled permanently to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Kingibe added that the disaster in the FCT “is a devastating issue for the citizens and must be addressed immediately, and Environmental challenges such as this must be tackled to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. The solution must be permanent.”
She then urged relevant agencies to refrain from combative position to look at permanent solutions which she said can be achieved.
