Flooding: FEMD Advises Residents Not To Build On Water Ways

By: Prudence Okonna

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has advised residents of the Federal Capital Territory to avoid the temptation of building on waterways.

Accordingly, this will lead to avoidable disaster awaiting such act.

The Acting Director-General (DG) of FEMD, Florence Wenegieme, gave this warning during a risk assessment programme by the Department in Jahi and Gishiri communities in Jahi and Mabushi Districts respectively in Abuja, Friday.

Wenegieme noted that the assessment team observed that houses have been built on water plains, and drainages were blocked in these areas, which could lead to flooding.

Her words: ” Most of the waterways have been obstructed. Residents have built houses on waterways, they have encroached the streams.”

“As you can see, the natural water course has been blocked, even the green areas have been overtaken by illegal structures,” she emphasized.

The DG, therefore, called for the cooperation of FCT residents in the protection of lives and property as the rains intensify.

She also advised that residents move away from all water courses to avoid the impending flood disaster.

Wenegieme explained that the assessment will further help the Agency to strategise mitigative measures and respond better in cases of emergencies.

The DG revealed that the Department will write to Development Control and the Engineering Services Departments as well as other relevant stakeholders departments to check these communities and ensure they align with the principles of the Abuja Master Plan.