By Olasunkanmi Onifade
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.
Mr Daniel Agwu, who spoke on behalf of the residents, said they were seeking clarification on the status of the road and its relationship with the estate’s approved layout.
He said residents were concerned that construction along the corridor could affect access, drainage and movement within the neighbourhood.
“We are not opposed to development; we are seeking development that conforms with the approved plan and protects the interests and safety of residents,” Agwu said.
He appealed to the FHA and other relevant authorities to suspend construction on the disputed corridor pending verification of the approved estate layout.
Agwu also called for the publication of the original master plan to enable residents to understand the designated roads, drainage corridors and other public infrastructure.
He urged the authorities to review subsequent alterations to the layout and improve stormwater drainage within the estate.
The Chairman of the Residents Association, Mr Musa Daniel, said residents became concerned after learning that a developer intended to undertake construction along the road.
“We were told someone had bought this street. We were confused. We wrote a petition to FHA about two months ago through our lawyer and waited for a response,” he said.
Daniel said construction was subsequently commenced along the corridor, prompting residents to seek clarification from the relevant authorities.
He said the matter was also reported to the Lugbe Police Station, which intervened and advised that construction should await clarification from the FHA.
Another resident, Mr Opeyemi Ayedinran, said the corridor was important to residents because it provided access to the area and served as a route for stormwater during rainfall.
“This road is our major access road to the market and other places. It also helps to channel water during rainfall.
“We are concerned that blocking the corridor could affect movement and drainage in the area,” he said.
The residents also referred to an environmental assessment conducted by Green Engagement Limited, an environmental and social development consultancy, dated July 31.
According to the residents, the assessment identified evidence of surface runoff, localised erosion and terrain depressions along the corridor.
They said the report recommended that construction be suspended pending verification of the approved estate layout by the FHA and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
The residents consequently appealed to the FHA, FCDA and other relevant authorities to verify the status of the corridor and clarify the applicable master plan.
They also called for improved drainage infrastructure and consultation with residents on future changes affecting the estate.
Responding, Mr Kenneth Chigelu, Public Relations Officer of the FHA, advised the residents to approach the FCDA for clarification on the estate’s master plan.
Chigelu, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the residents could also lodge their complaints at the FHA zonal office in Lugbe or through its Servicom unit.
“Before you go to FCDA, let them show you the master plan. They know what they are looking for. If they have a genuine allocation, they should show it.
“There is a zonal office in Lugbe where they can lay their complaints. There is also a Servicom unit to take their matter to the management,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
OEO/TAK
Edited by Tosin Kolade