The FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has warned FCT residents against building on water ways and indiscriminate waste disposal.
Speaking Wednesday in Abuja during the flag-off of the 2021 Flood Risk Assessment and Community Awareness campaign, the Director General of FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Alhaji Abbas Idriss, said flooding in the FCT is as a result of human factors.
He said: “We witnessed a lot of flooding last year, with avoidable loss of lives. Two people, including a top government official, were taken away by running water. Also, a woman and her four children were carried away by flood at Giri. Therefore, in order to avert such disasters, we have embarked on the sensitisation of FCT residents, following the 2021 rainfall prediction by NiMet.
“We always warn people to avoid stepping into running waters. We respect and take life seriously, hence this sensitisation. According to the prediction by NiMet, normal and above normal rainfall will be witnessed in Nigeria between May and October this year. The last time we had such a normal rainy season was more than 10 years ago.
“However, farmers should not be deceived by the rain, but should be careful in planting, to avoid food insecurity. Also, some residents are contributing to flooding through illegal buildings and diversion of waterways. But they turn around to blame authorities in the event of flooding. Nevertheless, we will continue to work harder in order to ensure that obstacles are removed in different parts of the FCT.”
Also speaking, deputy director, Department of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Yunana Dauda, said the sensitisation campaign will help FCTA in making plans with regards to provision of infrastructure.
“This sensitisation campaign will help in planning, application of resources and clear direction on what to do with regards to infrastructure and engineering solution. My advise to FCT residents is to heed to the warning of experts. Every year, FEMA gives flood alerts, so residents should take precautions,” he said.
Blueprint reports that a team of stakeholders, including representatives from the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja Environmental Protection Agency (AEPB), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Department of Development Control (DDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), FEMA and journalists visited different communities in the FCT, including Angwandodo, Abattoir and Giri (all in Gwagwalada), Trademore Estate in Lugbe and Galadimawa roundabout.
