Abuja: Residents of 1Q 3 Road, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, have appealed to relevant authorities to clarify the status of the estate’s master plan. The residents made the appeal during a protest in Abuja on Monday over proposed construction along a road corridor within the estate.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Agwu, representing the residents, stated they were seeking clarification on the status of the road and its relationship with the estate’s approved layout. Concerned that construction along the corridor could affect access, drainage, and movement within the neighborhood, the residents emphasized their desire for development that aligns with the approved plan and ensures their safety.
Agwu appealed to the FHA and other relevant authorities to suspend construction on the disputed corridor pending verification of the approved estate layout. He stressed the need for the publication of the original master plan to allow residents to understand the designated roads, drainage corridors, and other public infrastructure. Furthermore, he urged authorities to review alterations to the layout and enhance stormwater drainage within the estate.
The Chairman of the Residents Association, Mr. Musa Daniel, voiced concerns after learning a developer intended to undertake construction along the road. Residents were informed that a purchase had been made on the street, which prompted them to petition the FHA two months prior through legal representation, awaiting a response. The commencement of construction led residents to seek intervention from the Lugbe Police Station, which recommended halting construction pending clarification from the FHA.
Mr. Opeyemi Ayedinran, another resident, highlighted the corridor’s significance as a major access route for residents and its role in stormwater management during rainfall. Concerns were raised that obstructing the corridor could impact movement and drainage in the area.
An environmental assessment by Green Engagement Limited, dated July 31, revealed surface runoff, localized erosion, and terrain depressions along the corridor. The report recommended suspending construction until the FHA and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) verify the approved estate layout.
Residents urged the FHA, FCDA, and other relevant authorities to verify the corridor’s status and clarify the applicable master plan. They also called for improved drainage infrastructure and resident consultation on future estate changes.
In response, Mr. Kenneth Chigelu, Public Relations Officer of the FHA, advised residents to approach the FCDA for clarification on the estate’s master plan. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Chigelu recommended lodging complaints at the FHA zonal office in Lugbe or through its Servicom unit, emphasizing the importance of verifying genuine allocations.