The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday in Abuja issued a 24-hour ultimatum to illegal traders at Kubwa village market to quit.
The order followed the recent fire outbreak that claimed six lives.
Acting Director Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Kaka Ali issued the ultimatum and urged owners of illegal shops and those encroaching on the major corridors and undesignated places around the market to vacate the premises.
Ali disclosed that the FCT Administration had concluded plans to begin massive demolition of illegal structures causing obstructions in the market and the area.
The director explained that all structures that fell within the non-regulated areas for trading would be demolished by the FCT Department of Development Control.
“We are here to sanitise the market and environs following the recent incident of fire outbreak caused by explosion of an illegal Kerosine tank depot in the area.
“We are trying to enlighten them on the dangers of selling within or around the market or within residential areas, which are completely forbidden and there are specific areas for selling such products.
“We have spoken with the market managers on the need to sanitise and put all things in order,” Ali said.
Earlier, the Director, FCT Department of Development Control, Mr Garba Kwamkur, explained that the department received a matching order from the FCT Minister in view of the ugly incident that happened on Nov. 5. NAN reports.
“In and around the market are residential buildings, but people have resorted to breaking their windows and doors, turning those houses to commercial, thereby making everywhere to be rowdy.
“We can’t allow that to continue, that’s why we are here to insist on what the FCT Master Plan says.
“We have given them a 24-hour ultimatum to revert to what they were originally meant for. We insist on the restoration of Kubwa Master Plan, because Kubwa, being a satellite town of Abuja, has a plan.”
