Flooding: FCTA Begins Abuja Drain Desilting, Warns Against Illegal Structures

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has started a city-wide drainage clearance exercise in Abuja to reduce the risk of flooding following heavy rainfall that caused flash floods in several parts of the nation’s capital.

The exercise, which began along the Airport Expressway, was ordered by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, after flooding affected the major road on Tuesday.

The acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, disclosed this on Thursday while inspecting the ongoing work along the expressway. He said the operation was aimed at improving the flow of storm water as the rainy season reaches its peak.

Dauda explained that the recent heavy rainfall was consistent with weather warnings and changing climate conditions. He, however, noted that the Abuja Master Plan had already identified some parts of the capital, including sections around the Airport Expressway, as flood-prone areas.

He said Abuja’s drainage system was originally designed to cope with large amounts of water, but human activities had reduced its ability to perform effectively.

According to him, the accumulation of sand, mud and waste inside drainage channels has reduced their capacity. He also blamed residents who dispose of refuse in waterways, saying rainwater carries plastic bags, other waste and large objects into the drainage system, eventually blocking outlets.

The acting FCDA chief identified illegal construction and the destruction of drainage infrastructure as other major causes of flooding in the affected areas.

During the inspection, Dauda pointed out a major obstruction along the Airport Expressway involving a triple-cell box culvert designed to carry a large volume of water from the Galadima Roundabout.

He said a private developer had allegedly narrowed the water channel further downstream by putting up retaining walls in an effort to increase the size of a private property.

The restriction, he explained, prevents the drainage system from carrying the volume of water it was designed to handle. This can cause water to slow down, move backward and eventually spill into surrounding areas.

Dauda said the structures responsible for the restriction would have to be removed to restore the proper flow of water and improve the drainage capacity of the area.

He also raised concerns over the vandalism of metal covers placed over gully inlets. According to him, the removal of these covers allows refuse and other large materials to enter underground drainage systems directly, increasing the chances of blockages.

To tackle the repeated theft of the covers, the FCDA is considering the use of alternative materials that have little or no value to people who collect recyclable metals. The proposed replacements would not rely on steel or cast iron.

The agency has already deployed workers to clear several types of drainage infrastructure along the Airport Expressway. The work includes removing accumulated materials from trapezoidal drains, U-shaped channels and culvert outlets.

Dauda added that sections of the drainage network that have been damaged would also be repaired or rebuilt where necessary as part of the effort to improve flood control in the capital.

He urged residents to cooperate with the government by keeping waste out of drainage channels and waterways. He said the effectiveness of public drainage infrastructure depends not only on government maintenance but also on residents protecting the facilities from blockage and vandalism.

The FCTA is expected to continue the desilting and drainage clearance exercise across other parts of Abuja as it works to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall and prevent avoidable flooding during the rainy season.