By Philomina Attah
The Garki Model Market Association (GAMMA) has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately halt the ongoing developments along the Railway Transit Corridor adjoining Garki Model Market, Abuja.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mohammed Garba, on Monday in Abuja, the association also demanded investigation into demolition of trading structures in the area on June 4.
The association said conversion of reserved areas for commercial purposes could worsen congestion, compromise emergency access and undermine provisions of the original Garki Market Master Plan and surrounding infrastructure.
GAMMA said development activities commenced on portions of the corridor after demolition, raising questions about the exercise and planning approvals authorising subsequent developments.
According to the association, the corridor was preserved as a transportation right-of-way and buffer zone, while providing alternative parking and logistics space for market operations and emergencies during emergencies there.
It said the area supported heavy-duty vehicles, traders’ distribution and delivery vehicles, while serving as a strategic route for emergency operations and access during critical incidents within wider market operations.
The traders said reduced parking and circulation spaces within Garki Market had contributed to congestion, with traffic spilling onto adjoining roads.
They warned that further conversion would reduce spaces for parking, loading and off-loading, making access difficult for customers, traders, delivery vehicles and emergency responders, especially during peak periods.
GAMMA recalled that between 2008 and 2009, the then Abuja Environmental Protection Board relocated operators handling kerosene, firewood, charcoal and cooking gas from the main market to designated locations.
The association said the relocation formed part of government safety measures aimed at reducing risks associated with potentially hazardous activities within the main market and protecting traders and residents.
GAMMA demanded release of the approved master plan, subsequent amendments, development-control approvals, traffic-impact assessments, fire and environmental safety assessments and technical justification for corridor changes and developments for public scrutiny.
It urged FCTA, Development Control, FCT Fire Service, AEPB and other relevant authorities to intervene, suspend further corridor development pending comprehensive review and protect emergency routes and preserve access routes.
GAMMA warned that failure to address the concerns could worsen congestion, increase safety risks and heighten tensions within the market.
It called for government action before further development makes reversal difficult promptly.(NAN)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi