The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a warning about safety and sanitation issues in Utako Market, raising the possibility of a shutdown to prevent the risk of an epidemic.
Utako Market, situated in the Utako District at the heart of Abuja’s City center, is under the direct management of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), reports Daily Independent.
Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control and leader of the taskforce, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating sanitation conditions in Utako Market, labeling it a “time bomb and disaster waiting to happen.”
He stressed the urgent need for a cleanup to avert potential disasters and epidemics.
Galadima expressed dissatisfaction that a market in such a central location could be allowed to reach a state compromising both human and environmental safety.
He announced plans for an urgent meeting with all stakeholders in the market, emphasizing the necessity for proactive measures.
The taskforce leader highlighted the alarming expansion of the market into major streets around Utako residential areas, declaring that such encroachment onto public spaces would not be tolerated.
He cited instances of vandalism and defacement of road infrastructure by traders, pledging to prevent the occupation of streets by market activities.
Peter Olumuji, the Secretary of FCTA’s Command and Control, added that, in addition to the nuisances, residents in the neighborhood had reported security threats emanating from the market.
He revealed concerns about the market being overrun by idle youths and suspected drug addicts. While no arrests were made, Olumuji mentioned briefing the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to focus on the market area to curb illicit drug peddling activities.
