FCTA Clears Shanties, Refuse Dumps In UTC

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismantled shanties and cleared refuse dumps in front of UTC, as part of its city Sanitarion enforcement.

The operation, led by the Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, is aimed at reclaiming public spaces, reducing crime, and restoring order to the city.

Mr Galadima who described the illegal shanties around UTC as a threat, said the removal of refuse dumps became necessary to ensure Public health .

According to Galadima, the cleared space forms part of Abuja’s transitway corridor, as outlined in the city’s master plan, which will be fenced off to prevent land grabbing.

“After clearance, we will put the area into a use that supports transportation activities in the FCT, adding that prior notices were given to traders and occupants, including meetings held as far back as October 2023.

Responding to a viral video alleging that a park was destroyed, Galadima clarified that the allocated park at Panorama remains intact, with its playground, gym, and lounge still functional.

He explained that only makeshift structures and scavengers’ shanties were removed.

From the security perspective, the Secretary, Command and Control Center FCTA ,Dr. Peter Olumuji noted that the clearance has led to a “drastic reduction” in crime rates in targeted areas.

“Recovered items, including machetes used by hoodlums, show the necessity of the operation,” he said, adding that the exercise is complemented by “Operation Sweep Abuja” to ensure criminals do not relocate to other parts of the city.

The Vice Chairman of the Area 7 Pedestrian Association, Clifford Azarama, commended the FCTA’s efforts, urging market managers and other stakeholders to collaborate in sustaining the cleared environment.

Mr Azarama pledged the association’s support, including deploying a local task force to enforce no-parking rules and keep the area orderly.

The FCTA has vowed to sustain the joint city sanitation and security operations to make Abuja safer for residents and visitors.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji