The demolition exercise at the Sakumono Ramsar site, which commenced on Tuesday, May 27, has been temporarily halted following concerns raised by the owners of the rented machines being used for the operation.
According to officials, the equipment, described as too lightweight, proved inadequate for pulling down many of the high-rise structures built on solid foundations. Additionally, the machines ran low on fuel, further disrupting progress.
The situation led to a confrontation between the coordinators of the demolition and the Chinese owners of the machinery, who were worried about potential damage to their equipment and insufficient fuel supplies.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ahmed Rufai, assured that the exercise will resume on Wednesday, May 28.
He confirmed that arrangements are being made to refuel the machines and address logistical concerns.
The demolition work began around noon but was brought to a standstill at approximately 3:12 p.m.
[Video] Linda Ocloo leads demolition of structures on waterways