The Acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda has appealed to the Nigerian media to step up advocacy against the vandalization of critical infrastructure in the nation’s capital city. He lamented that incidences of vandalism keep recurring despite concerted efforts being made by the FCT Administration to replace stolen facilities.
The Acting Executive Secretary made the plea at Road B12, otherwise known as Constitution Avenue while briefing the Press on the recent incidence of the removal of 13 Manhole Covers along that road.
He said, “I will urge that you, particularly the Press, to do a lot more advocacy for us so that people will realise that these should not be taken. They are meant for the good and benefits of the citizens and those that use the roads.”
He however assured that the Manhole Covers removed along that road were already being replaced following the directive from the Honourable Minister, FCT, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to that effect.
“But from the point of view of replacement to save lives and property, particularly vehicles that ply this road, the Minister directed, when the report got to him, that we immediately replace the ones that have been stolen. In this stretch alone, this area, we have about 13 that were taken out and because of the nature of our infrastructural design, we have them in the middle of the road. There are Sewer Lines and some Storm Water Lines. They are load-bearing because they take the vehicular load. So, they are specially made for that purpose “, he explained.
The Acting Executive Secretary had a word for the vandals: “When you steal infrastructure like this, it is like stealing from yourself, it is the Federal government’s resources, the national resources that are used to put them in place. So, when our citizens, if they are Nigerians, come to steal again, it is like taking what already belongs to you”
