Wike: Buildings Blocking Abuja Waterways To Be Demolished

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to demolish buildings obstructing waterways in Abuja between Tuesday and Saturday.

Wike said structures found on water channels would be removed as part of measures to address flooding and restore the city’s drainage systems.

“Between today and Saturday, the buildings blocking the waterways will be brought down. We will demolish all the houses found on the water channels, and heaven will not fall,” Wike said.

The minister’s declaration comes amid renewed concerns over flooding in parts of the Federal Capital Territory following heavy rainfall.

Wike said the government would not allow buildings and other structures to obstruct natural water channels, stressing that enforcement would be carried out despite opposition from affected property owners.

He also categorically denied that the administration allocated waterways to build structures.

He warned that residents and developers who encroached on waterways should not expect the government to spare such structures.

The FCT Administration has in recent years intensified efforts to clear illegal structures and remove obstructions from drainage channels as part of measures to improve flood control and urban planning in the nation’s capital.

Wike’s latest directive signals a fresh demolition exercise targeting properties identified as being built on or obstructing designated waterways.