Why we sealed Zodara lounge, must prosecute recalcitrant landlord -AMMC

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has explained that it sealed off Zodara lounge because of unlawful change of land use from residential into commercial use and complaints from neighbours.

AMMC Coordinator, Umar Shuiabu gave this explanation Thursday during the seal off exercise of the property on Bujumbura Street in Wuse II, Abuja.

Coordinator who led a team of some FCTA directors and security personnel for the operation added that the authorities had obtained a court order to seal the property, following series of complaints lodged in by residents of the area who bitterly complained about noise pollution emanating from Zodara.

He said: “First and foremost, the property that is in use now is constituting general environmental nuisance to the whole of the neighborhood. The whole of the area is disturbed by the activities going on in this building.

“It is a multi-departmental operation headed by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.

“We received so many complaints against activities happening here and we followed all necessary processes. We went to court and obtained a seal off order. Whatever we are doing here is enforcing what the court has directed, and I strongly warn developers to follow laid down guidelines for any development. We will not allow impunity to take place in the FCT”.

Director, AEPB, Eng. Osi Braimah, stated that the FCT was a creation of law, and as such, all activities in the city must be guided by law.

Corroborating Shuiabu, Bramah said: “If you are going to build a property in Abuja, you must get necessary approvals from the Department of Development Control. If you want to change your land use, you must get an approval.

“Also the niose level in the FCT is controlled. So clubs, gardens, among others, must comply with the noise requirements. This is why we are forced to close this property because people living around this area can no longer sleep or rest because of the activities going in this building”.

On his part, Director, Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima reiterated that all developments in the nation’s capital are guided by the Abuja Master Plan.

“This plot in question was designed and approved for residential purpose but they have not only converted the land use, but it has also become a nuisance to the environment”, he added.

Also, Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the FCT Minister, Ikharo Attah said that the Minister was determined to stop all illegalities in the FCT.

Ikharo berated traffic condition in the area: “The challenge of traffic here due to parking alone is very disturbing and painful.

“But the beauty of it all is that FCTA is driving home a very strong message that you don’t abuse and rape the Urban and Regional Planning Law and AEPB Act and go free”.

In a related development, the Development Control department had earlier arrested five labourers found drilling borehole on a road walkway on No 4, Sani Zongon Daura street, Guzape District.
A visibly angry Galadima vowed that the landlord responsible for work of the borehole will not escape prosecution.
According to him, the landlord’s action has led to destruction of public property and abuse of regulations.