The Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration yesterday commenced the removal of telecommunication masts at Kuchigoro, along Airport Road in Abuja.

The department alleged that the masts which belong to Airtel Telecom and Helios Towers were erected without title documents (allocation papers) and situated on a plot meant for a petrol station.

Arc. Adamu Abuja, who is the Deputy Director in-charge of Aesthetics and Amenities, said while briefing the press that Ms Sassada Petroleum Ltd came up with a complaint that the Masts in question were erected on their plot and backed the claim with relevant title documents.

He said the department communicated to the concerned masts owners to present their title documents or lease agreement.

According to him, Airtel responded but did not have any of the required documents, while Helios Towers did not respond at all.

He said they were served notices on the March 20, 2012 to relocate their masts within two weeks and final removal notices were served on them again on November 23, 2012, which elapsed after seven days.

The Deputy Director emphasized that more than enough time was given them to present their documents or remove the masts on their own but non-adherence to any of these necessitated the enforcement move by the Development Control Department.

He called on all telecom operators and their facility providers to always obtain necessary documents before commencement of work at any site to avoid such occurrences.