PHOTO CREDIT: The Sun Nigeria / FCTA
FCTA Begins Desilting of Drains Along Airport Road, Other Flood-Prone Areas in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the desilting and evacuation of blocked drainage channels along the Airport Road corridor and other parts of Abuja.

The exercise comes after heavy flooding recorded in several parts of the territory, including Airport Road and Lokogoma, which triggered public criticism over alleged illegal developments on green areas and waterways.

The ongoing operation involves clearing silt, sand, solid waste and other debris obstructing the free flow of stormwater through the drains.

The flooding incident had raised fresh concerns about Abuja’s drainage system and enforcement of the Abuja Master Plan, with residents accusing authorities of permitting construction on designated green zones and natural water channels.

Addressing the issue during his monthly media chat on Wednesday, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the administration is investigating the root cause of the flooding and has begun sanctioning officials found culpable.

According to Wike, a director in the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has been suspended in line with civil service rules for allegedly issuing illegal approvals for buildings on waterways.

“We suspended a director in the FCDA according to the civil service rule who was illegally giving building approvals to build on waterways,” Wike was quoted as saying.

He noted that the action was aimed at ensuring accountability among both developers and government officials who violate the Master Plan.

The minister insisted that the FCTA does not approve developments on green areas, adding that some approvals were obtained through influence.

“Government policy is that nobody should do anything on green areas… Now you go with the spirit that nothing will happen, and then when we come to enforce, you say you have approval. It is not going to be accepted,” he said.

Wike further disclosed that another official had been disciplined for allegedly reallocating parkland illegally under the guise of security considerations.

He added that he had directed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the Director of Development Control to carry out on-site inspections of affected areas, including Airport Road and Lokogoma, to determine the extent to which human activities contributed to the flood.

“The one that is man-made, we can solve the problem; the one that is natural, there is nothing we can do. It becomes a natural disaster. So, it’s something that we have to investigate,” he said.

The minister also attributed persistent challenges in areas like Lugbe to years of violations of the Abuja Master Plan, where buildings were erected without approval on road and infrastructure corridors.
SOURCE: The Sun Nigeria –