By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, FEMD, has ordered the demolition of six blocks of two-storey buildings at Angel Martin Estate, Pyakasa along Airport Road, after the structures failed an integrity test.
The department in a statement issued on Monday, explained that the affected buildings, constructed on a hill, posed serious danger to residents if not removed immediately.
The directive followed the collapse of a retaining wall in the estate on Sunday evening, which left a security guard injured.
The statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs of FEMD, Nkechi Isa, reads: “According to the Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, the buildings constructed on a hill, if not removed, may collapse and affect other buildings in the vicinity.”
The statement further noted that the Department of Development Control had been notified to commence removal of the defective structures without delay.
FEMD further appealed to developers to strictly comply with building codes to reduce incidents of collapse, and urged residents to always report emergencies using the 112 toll-free number.
“We appeal to developers to strictly follow the building codes to reduce incidents of building collapse. Residents should also make use of the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of a disaster,” the statement read.
The department said the incident at Angel Martin Estate underscored the dangers of substandard construction practices, warning that it would continue to act decisively to safeguard lives and property in the FCT.
