Building plan approval: FCT Development Control speaks on standards, compliance

Building plan approval: FCT Development Control speaks on standards, compliance

Authorities of the Federal Capital Territory have harped on the need for members of the public, particularly developers, to obtain valid approvals and ensure they comply with all elements contained in what has been approved for them. This position was made known during a press briefing by the Director, Department of Development Control at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Mukhtar Galadima, in Abuja on Friday.

Mr. Galadima explained that it had become imperative to brief the press, given the volume of adverts on the internet by illegal developers of housing estates and land grabbers. He expressed sadness over illegal estates being developed by unregulated developers without even title documents.

According to him, “That’s why we said we have to call ladies and gentlemen of the press so that we can send the message out loud and clear that some of these estates are illegal development. Of particular note is an area called Apo Tapi, as well as the Idu Train Station – these are areas that have not yet been detailed, designed or laid out yet, but people are carrying fake documents that it is being allocated by AMAC. We want to say it loud and clear now that all these estates are illegal development.

Speaking on efforts to curb this disturbing trend, Mr. Galadima stated that the Department of Development Control has done the needful by serving pertinent notices and designating affected structures for removal. “The public should note that at an appropriate time, we are going to embark on a removal exercise. Furthermore, we want to also inform the public that in the course of implementing development proposals, there are rooms for modification. The wisest thing for you to do is to resubmit your design and seek approval before changing any aspect of the approved plan. Failure to do so is an aberration of what has been approved for you.

The Director of Development Control used the opportunity to reiterate that it is a blatant breach of development control rules for any developer to alter their plan without recourse to the relevant authorities for appropriate approval, adding that all illegal developments along the Idu Train Station, Apo Tapi and the Lugbe axis will be removed when appropriate.