The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has vehemently denied recent claims that purported to be about plans to demolish 1,500 homes in the Federal Capital Territory’s Zhidu neighbourhood, which is close to Lugbe Phase II (FCT).
Concerns over the FHA’s reported plans to clear the way for a private developer’s housing estate were raised by the community, and requests were made for the agency to postpone the planned destruction and hold reasonable talks regarding compensation and relocation instead.
Kenneth Chigelu, the FHA’s Head of Press and Publicity Unit, responded by explaining the circumstances and correcting what he called false information spread by some people preying on defenceless civilians.
He emphasised that land for home construction had been lawfully purchased by the FHA from the Federal Capital Territory Administration. During pre-development exercises, he pointed out squatter encroachments and highlighted the compensation given to farmers.
Chigelu outlined the ongoing efforts by the FHA and FCDA to identify developments within FHA’s land and the Ring Road for mandatory clearance, which were started eight months ago. He highlighted the encroachments along the right of way of the Ring Road servicing the region.
Chigelu asked everyone with a rightful claim to property inside the FHA parcel to provide papers proving their title and obtaining building permit. He denied rumours that the whole Zhidu village was about to be demolished and reiterated the FHA’s position that it will not permit slum growth on its properties.
The FHA says, it remains resolute in its stance and is urging anybody with legitimate claims to submit the necessary paperwork so that the issue may be settled fairly and openly.
