In the aftermath of yesterday’s rains in some parts of the FCT, which led to heavy floods at Trade More Estate and Gosa, Sabon Lugbe along the Airport Road,the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), carried an assessment of the affected areas on Monday.
Reacting to the floods at Trade More Estate inspite of the removal over 30 structures built on the water channel, the Director General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss described the incident as unfortunate and regrettable.
He blamed the recurrent flooding at the Estate on structural defects and the facts that Lokogoma was cleared for free flow of storm waters.
“I am assuring you that all hands are on deck to identify the structural defects and to remove them”. He said.
” Right now we are planning a stakeholders meeting involving the FCDA,Department of Development Control, Department of Engineering and other partners to ensure that more strategies are adopted to mitigate floods in the FCT .”
The FEMA boss identified narrowing of water channels, excavation, building on water ways and construction of retention walls, as major issues responsible for flooding in vulnerable parts of the FCT.
Idriss reiterated the commitment of the FCTA to do the needful through the removal of obstructions and the creation of an emergency structural remedy, particularly along the Airport Road.
Briefing The DG at the end of the assessment tour, the Acting Director, Forecasting Response and Mitigation, Mrs Florence Wenegieme blamed the heavy floods at Gosa,Sabon Lugbe on diversion of water under a bridge in the area , sand filling of water ways and the construction of a retaining wall.
At Trade More too, Mrs Wenegieme informed that the box culvert which also serves as a bridge for residents of the Estate was inadequate,as a wider channel was needed to ensure the flow of water to River Gurara.
She frowned at on going construction of a retaining wall by the Estate developer to contain the overflow of water.
Earlier today, emergency services agencies rescued a fuel hawker trapped in a tunnel under the Abuja/Kubwa EXPRESSWAY.
A second victim was however fatally injured.
The victims became trapped when they entered the flooded tunnel after the Sunday’s rain to retrieve their fuel.
According to Mrs Wenegieme who led the Search and Rescue team of FEMA,both victims were trapped by silt in the tunnel.
She called for the de-silt of the tunnel to prevent flooding along the route.
A combined team of FEMA, NEMA,Federal and FCT Fire Services as well as the VIO and FRSC carried out the rescue operations with the active support of the FCDA.