The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing incidents of vandalism and theft targeting defile inlets, manhole covers, and other vital facilities installed to mitigate flooding in Abuja.
During a visit to inspect some of the affected facilities, FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, voiced his dismay at the extensive vandalism and theft of expensive gully inlets and manhole covers, which had recently been replaced by the administration. Suspected hoodlums were responsible for these acts, severely compromising the drainage systems and exacerbating the problem of flooding within the city.
Expressing the gravity of the situation, Adesola mentioned visiting flood-affected areas like Lokogoma and Trademore, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the floods.
He emphasized that flood mitigation is a collective responsibility and urged the support of residents and security agencies in addressing this distressing trend.
Highlighting the audacity of the vandals, Adesola pointed out that the stolen manhole covers were not removed by mysterious entities but by actual people.
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He called on the law enforcement agencies, considering that Abuja is the Federal Capital City, to take action against such unlawful activities.
Adesola also shed light on the financial implications of replacing the stolen items, stating that each gully inlet costs N500,000.
He revealed that the authority had installed between 20 and 30 floodwater covers and one to three manhole covers within a kilometer, emphasizing the cumulative expenses incurred when multiplied over vast distances.
Furthermore, Adesola cautioned the public against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways and stressed that gully inlets should not be utilized as dumping sites.
Accompanying the permanent secretary during the visit were senior officials from relevant departments and agencies within the FCTA.
