The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Department of Development Control, has commenced the demolition of over 500 illegal structures at the popular Karmo market in the Territory. The director of the department, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, explained during the exercise on Wednesday that the demolition followed the expiration of the 24-hour demolition notices issued to the traders.
The department had on Monday served 24-hour demolition notices to operators of the illegal markets and shanties marked for demolition along the Karmo – Dei-Dei road corridor. The demolition exercise followed due process, as the operators of the illegal markets and owners of the illegal structures and shanties have been duly notified and given enough time to evacuate their valuables.
According to Galadima, the demolition was necessary considering the huge traffic gridlock being experienced along the road corridor, especially during market days. He noted that the illegal structures had become a menace, constituting a nuisance and obstruction to the free flow of traffic, and had to be removed to restore order and sanity to the area.
The Karmo market, which has been in existence for over two decades, has been a hub for traders selling various goods, including food items, clothing, and household utensils. However, the market has grown haphazardly, with many traders erecting illegal structures, including shanties and makeshift stalls, which have encroached on the road and pedestrian walkways.
The FCTA has been working to restore order to the market and the surrounding area, and the demolition exercise is part of the efforts to achieve this goal. The administration has also promised to provide alternative trading spaces for the affected traders, to ensure that they continue to ply their trade without hindrance.
As the demolition exercise continues, traders and residents of the area have expressed mixed reactions. While some have commended the FCTA for taking steps to address the traffic congestion and restore order to the area, others have lamented the loss of their livelihoods and the impact on their businesses.