Flooding in parts of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja on Saturday due to heavy rainfall submerged popular highways and streets as well as satellite towns and properties in the city
The areas affected included,Galadimawa, Gaduwa,Wuse 2,Maitaima,Cadestral zone,Garki and Katampe.
The cause of the latest flooding has reportedly been linked to construction work on flood plains and reserved green areas in the capital territory.
According to a post by an X user,Samuel Omogo titled “
ABUJA UNDER WATER” this is the first time the federal capital territory would experience such a problem.
He said “This is Eternal Petrol Station, opposite Transcop flooded. How many of you have seen this place like this before? We are not talking about the outskirts of the FCT. We are talking about the city of Abuja. If these areas can be this flooded, just imagine what will happen to areas like Lugbe.
“Meanwhile, front of the new CBN building was also flooded. Infact, the flooding that happened there has never happened before. Adjacent to Nicon Luxury is a green area and waterway that is being sand filled in preparation for building structures and the effects are already being felt.
“It is sad that the same people who condemn people that built structures to block canals thereby causing flooding in Lagos are the same people who see nothing wrong with what is happening in Abuja and clapping because it is their people doing it” he said.
Several others who were traumatized by the flooding also reacted to the severe damages caused to vehicles.
But responding to the reactions of affected residents, Lere Olayinka,the Special Assistant to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike said Abuja has been witnessing flooding before the appointment of Wike citing the flooding in some parts of the territory between 2019 and 2022.
He explained that the FCT administration is making moves to address the situation by reviewing the 1979 masteplan.
“There was heavy downpour in Abuja on Saturday, and consequently, some areas got heavily flooded. The flood remained for a while after the rainfall and disappeared.
“Sad reality is that Abuja has been witnessing floods long before Wike assumed office.
“Therefore, the flood witnessed last Saturday was another reminder of the seasonal reality of a rapidly expanding city with drainage infrastructure, waste management and enforcement of planning rules not keeping pace with growth.
“It is also a pointer to damages being caused by scavengers who are daily stealing drainage covers, thereby exposing the drainage to refuse.
“To address this, the FCT Administration is already reviewing the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to accommodate the new realities of the capital city.
“Drainage covers that will be impossible for scavengers to remove are also being used. His post read in part.
.
·
