The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT) has expressed concern over disregard for environmental regulations in some areas of the territory.
Mr Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council made this known at a lecture series on “Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the FCT” on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) FCT chapter in commemoration of the 2024 Town Planners Day.
Obuah was represented by Mr Wasiu Buhari, the acting Director of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.
“Inspite of regular sensitisation and town hall meetings with residents and stakeholders, some residents are still erecting illegal structures and building on water ways causing flooding and other avoidable disasters in the territory.
“The present administration is ready to ensure that residents adhere to environmental law and make FCT attractive to foreign and domestic investments,”he said.
Also speaking, Mr Chinedu Obika, a member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal constituency in the house of representatives pledged to tackle flooding and fire disasters in the FCT.
Obika emphasised the need for urgent measures to address the perennial flooding and recent fire incidents in the FCT.
The lawmaker disclosed that he had moved motions and proposed bills in the National Assembly aimed at exploring innovative strategies for disaster preparedness, resilience building, and empowerment of vulnerable people in the FCT.
“In order to achieve these noble objectives, we must become emergency managers of disasters, which are primarily natural and human-caused, and think of about these recurring events with four phases: Mitigation, Preparedness. Response, and Recovery.
“If everyone can imbibe the mindset of managing residual risk factors such as climate change, environmental degradation, globalised economic development, poverty and inequality, poorly planned urban development, and weak governance;
“It will further contribute to strengthening communities’ resilience leading to the achievement of sustainable development,”he said.
Obika assured the NITP of his continued partnership to deliver credible and inclusive representation in the National Assembly, stressing his dedication to sustainable development and safety in the FCT.
Also, the FCT Chairman, NITP, Mrs Lami Ayuba gave an assurance that the outcome of the forum would assist in the intervention of stakeholders in the perennial flooding which the upsurge was alarming in some parts of the FCT.
Ayuba said “the decisions of participants will help to fortify the territory against the treats posed by disasters, “she said.
Ayuba added that the government policy on environmental laws must protect the vulnerable and sustain urban growth.
NAN reports that other speakers at the forum agreed that Government at all levels must engage Town Planners in the planning development of town and cities for sustainable growth.
