By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the demolition of all structures obstructing the ongoing construction of Arterial Road N16 in Gishiri Village, would proceed as planned.
The minister’s directive is coming following a resistance by members of the community on Tuesday, when the minister visited during an inspection visit to the site.
Wike explained that the FCT Administration had severally engaged the community leaders, offering compensation and relocation alternatives to affected residents. However, despite these assurances, some structures remained in place, hindering the progress of the work.
“Well, you realize that I have been here more than four times. We have sat down with the community leaders and their chiefs. I have told them the need for them to cooperate with the government so that the contractor, CGC, will be able to complete this road and hand it over by May,” Wike stated.
The minister further noted that the traditional ruler of the area had requested a one-week grace period, during which compensation funds were made available, and a relocation site was arranged. However, despite these efforts, illegal construction continued in the area.
“The traditional ruler pleaded with us for one more week. The money for compensation has been made available. And as part of that, we also promised to provide an alternative location for relocation,” he said.
He warned that the government would not tolerate any actions that undermine public interest, asserting that the demolition was necessary for the timely completion of the road.
“I did inform the traditional ruler that this work has to go on. No government will sit back and allow people to sabotage a public interest project. I personally came here to supervise this demolition, and I want them to know that it’s no longer business as usual.”
Responding to concerns about the humanitarian impact of the demolition, Wike maintained that ample time had been given for residents to relocate.
“We’ve given them more than two, three months. We have also provided compensation and a resettlement plan. What more is human than that?” he questioned.
The minister reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to ensuring that the road project is completed as scheduled, adding that affected residents must work with the authorities to finalize their relocation arrangements.
With the demolition now in progress, the FCTA has reiterated its stance on enforcing urban planning laws to facilitate infrastructural development in the capital city.
