FCDA tasks developers on maintenance of green areas
The Park and Recreation Department of the Federal Capital Development Agency (FCDA) on Tuesday urged developers in Abuja to retain substantial parts of their estates as green areas to the echo system.
Mr Shehu Lawal, a Deputy Director in the department, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the green area was crucial to the health of residents.
He said that it was unlawful for developers and residents to cut down trees, and that there were sanctions for defaulters.
“Tree cutting is completely illegal in the city, and we have members of staff who go round to monitor areas where trees are being cut by residents.
“We observe that there are some illegal felling of trees in business premises where owners want to open up the area for easier access.
“If we catch such people, we sanction them and they can pay as much as N50,000 as fine for one tree cut down illegally, depending on the size,’’ he said.
Lawal said that the Development Control Department, however, had the power to authorise the cutting of trees in certain circumstances.
“If the Department of Development Control gives approval for a resident to create an entrance to his premises at a spot where a tree is planted, such a tree can be removed after a stipulated fee has been paid,’’ he said.
He said it was necessary to interact with developers as they were involved in the development of new residential estates in the capital city.
He said the department would resort to sanction if developers failed to comply.
Lawal said that 35 per cent of residential areas in the city were reserved as green area in the Abuja Master Plan and urged developers to adhere to the stipulation. ( NAN)