At least, seven additional bridges are required at Galadimawa area, if the Federal Capital Territory Administration must address the perennial flooding usually experienced in the district.
This revelation was made by the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Engr. Hadi Ahmad, at a recent emergency stakeholders’ meeting on flood mitigation in the FCT.
Ahmed, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Richard Dauda, disclosed that the agency was carrying out a total hydrological survey of the city to identify all sources of water, runoff, and erosion control measures.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, called for proper zoning of flood plains in the Territory to mitigate flooding through restrictions on building in such areas.
Adesola said this will increase the number of land where water infiltration can occur and therefore lessen surface runoff, which usually ends up in flood.
He appealed to residents to desist from buying lands on waterways and urged them to, “always confirm the situation of the land before you buy. Desist from buying lands from Chiefs and area councils. They cannot allocate lands”.
The permanent secretary also challenged engineers in the country to come up with innovative solutions for the utilization of flood waters for economic activities like tourism and all-year farming rather than allowing it to destroy lives and property.
Also speaking, the Director General of FCT Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Abbas Idriss, said FEMA intends to strengthen its volunteering network especially its marshalls who work in the communities.
“We are making arrangements with Jabi Lake and Moshood Abiola Stadium to train our volunteers and local divers on modern techniques.” He stated.
Idriss also appealed to area councils to strengthen the local emergency committees in their areas in view of their critical roles at the grassroots.
In a goodwill message, the Director General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency NIHSA, Mr Clem Nze, informed that the 2023 flood outlook placed the FCT in a high probable flood risk area as well as two area councils in moderately flood risk areas.
Earlier, the Director of Forecasting Response and Mitigation, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, explained that the meeting was intended to come up with mitigative measures to ensure that no life is lost to flooding this year.
