Building on waterways has resulted in an impending flood calamity in the Abuja districts of Jahi and Gishiri, according to the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD).
After the department conducted a risk assessment exercise in the regions, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, the acting director general of FEMD, issued the warning on Friday in Abuja.
Residents have constructed homes on flood plains and streams, according to the evaluation, according to Wenegieme, while drainage systems in Jahi and Gishiri have been clogged.
She called this a calamity waiting to happen since it might result in flooding.
“The majority of the streams have been obstructed,” stated Wenegieme. Living people have constructed homes on waterways, intruding into rivers and streams.
“As you can see, illegal buildings have taken over the green areas, blocking the natural water course.”
According to her explanation, the purpose of the risk assessment exercise was to help EMD create effective emergency response plans and strategically mitigate against floods and other calamities.
She stated that in order to verify that all projects in the areas were approved and compliant with the Abuja Master Plan, FEMD will write to the Department of Development Control and arrange a visit.
In response to the increased amount of rainfall, the director-general urged inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory to refrain from constructing on waterways and asked for their assistance in protecting lives and property.
“As you can see, illegal buildings have taken over the green areas, blocking the natural water course.”
According to her explanation, the purpose of the risk assessment exercise was to help EMD create effective emergency response plans and strategically mitigate against floods and other calamities.
She stated that in order to verify that all projects in the areas were approved and compliant with the Abuja Master Plan, FEMD will write to the Department of Development Control and arrange a visit.
In response to the increased amount of rainfall, the director-general urged inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory to refrain from constructing on waterways and asked for their assistance in protecting lives and property.
“The goal of the training exercise is to provide department volunteers and employees with the necessary knowledge and abilities to enable them to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with international best practices,” the spokesperson stated.
She clarified that the six FCT regional councils were used to choose the volunteer local divers.
She said that doing this will provide them with more advanced and contemporary rescue techniques.
“We need to improve their swimming abilities and teach them the modern method of conducting rescue operations during flooding because we have local divers from the six Area Councils,” she stated.
For their unwavering support of FEMD, Wenegieme expressed gratitude to FCT Minister Mr. Nyesom Wike and FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.
Increasing the capability of FEMD employees and volunteers will greatly enhance disaster response and save lives and property, according to the facilitator, Mr. Joe Oduah, Chief Executive Officer, RCL Industrial Safety Center.
