FHA to relocate squatters in  FESTAC, sustain demolition

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has pledged to sustain the demolition of illegal construction in FESTAC Town, Lagos and other parts of the country.
   
The Managing Director, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, who spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting at FHA Zonal office, Lagos, said some squatters would be relocated, while ongoing restoration of estates would be extended to other part of the country.
 
Represented by FHA Executive Director, Project Implementation, Mr. Chinonso Omoke, he revealed successes recorded in the restoration of FESTAC master plan and moves to return the estate to its lost glory.

He said that the trespassers defied all warnings and notices, thereby undermining FHA’s authority. “Though painful but inevitable, we will not fold our hands and cheer the distortion of our master plan under any guise, no matter how highly placed the defaulter might be.”
     
Ashafa warned that the agency would adopt all possible measures to avert building collapse and forestall any loss of life in FESTAC Town.
 
He said management was touched by several appeals from owners of contravening buildings and had decided to relocate those with genuine cases.
 
Also, the President, FESTAC Town Residents Association (FTRA), Mr. Shola Fakorede, said the demolition exercise was in the interest of the citizenry.
 
According to him, those who have encroached on the right of way are deterring development.
  
The Area E Commander, ACP Afegbai Igbafe, cautioned the FHA allotees against indulging the land grabbers in their requests, as the land belongs to the Federal Government.