FCTA Begins Drain Desilting to Tackle Abuja Flooding

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has started clearing and desilting drainage channels across Abuja following heavy rainfall that caused flash floods in parts of the city.

The exercise was ordered by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, after flooding affected the Airport Expressway 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.

Dauda said the city-wide operation was aimed at reducing the risk of further flooding as the rainy season reaches its peak.

He explained that some parts of Abuja, including areas around the Airport Expressway, were identified as flood-prone zones in the city’s original master plan. He added that the drainage infrastructure was designed to manage large volumes of water, but its effectiveness had been reduced by human activities.

According to him, the accumulation of waste in drainage channels has become a major problem. Plastic bags, refuse and other objects are washed into the drains during rainfall and often block water outlets.

Dauda also identified illegal construction as another major cause of flooding in some areas. He pointed to a section of the Airport Expressway where a triple-cell box culvert was designed to carry water from the Galadima Roundabout.

He said a private developer had allegedly narrowed the waterway by building retaining walls to extend a property, reducing the amount of water that could flow through the channel.

The restriction, he explained, causes water to accumulate, flow back and eventually spill into surrounding areas. He said the affected structures would have to be removed to restore the proper flow of water.

The FCDA official also raised concerns over the vandalism of metal covers placed over drainage inlets. He said the theft of the covers allows refuse and other large materials to enter underground drainage systems and cause blockages.

To reduce vandalism, Dauda said the agency was considering replacing steel and cast-iron covers with materials that would have little or no value to thieves.

He added that workers had commenced the desilting of trapezoidal drains, U-shaped channels and culvert outlets along the Airport Expressway. Damaged sections of the drainage system will also be repaired or reconstructed where necessary.

Dauda urged residents to stop dumping waste in drainage channels and waterways, stressing that government efforts to control flooding would be more effective when residents protect and maintain public infrastructure.