By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has announced plans to demolish “Yar Kasuwa”, a popular market in Gwarinpa, for operating illegally.

Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, made the announcement during a meeting with  stakeholders in Abuja on Sunday.

Galadima informed the stakeholders, including the representatives of the traders’ union, that the department had served a quit notice to the traders to vacate the area latest by Jan. 7.

He added that the demolition of the market, located along N16 Road corridor, Gwarinpa, would begin on  Jan. 8.

Galadima explained that the contract for the full  development of the arterial road had been awarded by the FCT Administration.

He added that the contractors had been engaging the traders since September, 2023, but they kept asking for more time.

According to him, the development is delaying the delivery of the project.

“The time frame for the contract had been eaten into by the traders’ refusal to quit.

“If the contract is not executed as scheduled, the cost of materials would keep rising and could lead to contract variation, which is against the policy of the current Administration.

“This meeting, therefore, is basically to inform the traders occupying N16 Road corridor to vacate the area, latest by Wednesday, as demolition will begin on Thursday (Jan. 8).

“This is necessary because the last time they were served notices, they claimed that they were not fully briefed,”he said.

The director explained that the FCT Administration awarded the road contract from Ring Road II, which begins from Katampe Extension through Jabi Mbora to Galadimawa Roundabout,connecting   Ring Road III.

He said: “The contract has been awarded and we are calling on all the people doing businesses on the corridor to leave.

“All structures existing in that corridor will be removed.

“We are calling on you traders and others to please cooperate with us. Start removing your valuables before we come there.

“We are coming to clear the place. We are giving you up till Wednesday to clear your things.”

The Secretary of the traders union, who identified himself as Mohammed, said they had been running their businesses in the market for over 20 years.

He promised to convey the directive to the traders. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji