FCTA To Commence Construction of Dogon-Gada Road

By: Prudence Okonna

To ameliorate the plight of residents living within the axis of Dogon-Gada community, Lokogoma District, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has concluded plans to commence the construction of about 800 meter Dogon-Gada Road.

Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Felix Obuah, revealed this during the Flag-off of the 2024 Joint Assessment of flood-prone areas in the nation’s capital, held on Tuesday, at the Dogon-Gada Culvert, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

The Coordinator said that the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, out of his pragmatic leadership style has approved the immediate construction of the Dogon-Gada road to curtail the plight of the residence and to improve the socio-economic activities in the area.

His words: “I have received the approval for the immediate construction of the Dogon-Gada road by the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike. FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) presented a report and we followed it up, the Minister did not waste time in approving”.

The Coordinator, however, noted that strict adherence to the Abuja Master Plan will cut down flood risks by 75 percent; adding that buildings on flood plains, obstruction of waterways, and non-provision of adequate drainages by developers are major causes of the flood issues in the FCT.

Obuah, while lauding the FEMD for their efforts in creating the needed awareness of the 2024 rainy season, called for continued collaboration and strengthening towards flood prevention and mitigation as there is no room for negligence.

Also speaking at the flag-off, the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, expressed his gratitude to the FCT Minister for coming to the aid of his people by approving the construction of the Dogon-Gada road; noting that his people have endured so much hardship and discomfort because of the negative impact of flooding.

Maikalangu explained that the construction of the road would help to improve economic activities in the community and provide an easy ply route for residents and visitors alike.

Acting Director-General of FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Mohammed Sabo, said the Dogon-Gada culvert is on the verge of collapsing; adding that the joint assessment of areas affected by floods in 2023 is of utmost importance, as it will provide an opportunity to review past activities, review prevention, and intervention strategy as well as mitigate the impact of flooding in the FCT in 2024.

He urged residents to adhere to warnings by FEMD by clearing all blocked drainages, removing all obstructions to allow the free flow of water, and relocating to higher ground if they reside along the water channel, especially during this season.

Meanwhile, the Director of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation (FEMD), Florence Wenegieme, said all hands must be on deck as FCT has been listed as one of the states to witness flash floods following the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Annual Flood Outlook.

She added that the Dogon-Gada culvert has been barricaded for the time being to restrict road users from being affected when it rains.

Abuja Digest recalls that Dogon-Gada culvert flooding claimed the life of a motorcyclist, Yakubu Lucky while the Container Bridge in the Lokogoma district claimed three lives, both in 2023.

Other notorious flood-prone areas visited by the team include Galadimawa interchange and Apo Dutse.