Abuja: The Wuse Zone 6 Neighbourhood Residents Association in Abuja has raised concerns over the ongoing conversion of green areas into construction sites, urging President Bola Tinubu and relevant stakeholders to intervene and stop the development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, residents expressed their concerns during a protest march to the Department of Development Control. The association’s chairman, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, highlighted that the Abuja Master Plan was designed to preserve green spaces to protect underground utility corridors and provide recreational areas. However, these areas are now being fenced, cleared, and developed, violating planning regulations and posing risks to the community.
The association called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Development Control Authority to enforce the Abuja Master Plan to safeguard the environment and essential infrastructure. Soaga emphasized that nearly all designated green spaces in Wuse Zone 6 have been sold and developed, leading to fears of environmental and infrastructural challenges.
Key sites under concern include the Julius Berger Park, which has been converted into a housing estate by the Nigeria Police Force Cooperative Society, and Gilmore Gardens on Rabat Street, which is being prepared for housing construction. Soaga noted that these areas lie on underground sewage and water pipelines, and their development could lead to flooding, pollution, and infrastructure failure.
Residents are already experiencing issues such as burst water pipes, blocked sewer lines, and environmental contamination, with the situation potentially leading to gastrointestinal and other waterborne diseases. Soaga warned that the loss of green spaces would exacerbate flooding, increase heat, and decrease air quality.
The chairman also pointed out the additional strain on roads, drainage systems, and power supply due to unplanned construction outside the original master plan. Longtime resident Mr. Ernest Frank echoed these concerns, noting that infrastructure is already overstretched.
Mr. Emmanuel Adamu, Youth Leader of Zone 6, expressed worry over the conversion of green areas into housing projects, which could worsen traffic and limit recreational spaces for children. He called on the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, and President Tinubu to intervene.
Hamza Madaki-Tayyub, another resident, recounted the community’s shock at the felling of trees and emphasized the importance of preserving the master plan. He urged the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to take action.
In response, Oche Obe, Head of Administration, Development Control, assured that the complaints would be forwarded to the Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima.