By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Residents of Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory have urged the FCT Administration to intensify routine desilting and maintenance of drainage channels to curb recurring flooding in the community.
The residents made the call on Friday following repeated flooding in parts of Kubwa, including PW, 2/2 and Phase 3, where blocked and poorly maintained drains often cause stormwater to overflow onto roads and adjoining properties after heavy rainfall.
A resident of PW, Ezekiel Dazang, said regular desilting of the drains would improve the flow of stormwater and reduce flooding.
“Whenever it rains heavily, the water comes out of the drainage and floods the road.
We need the authorities to clear these drains regularly before the situation gets worse,” he said.
Another resident, Solomon Danjuma, said some residents had been forced to spend money cleaning their compounds and repairing property damaged by floodwater.
He urged the FCTA to make drainage maintenance a routine exercise rather than waiting until the rainy season worsened the situation.
Farida Ibrahim attributed the blockage of some drainage channels to indiscriminate dumping of plastics, bottles, food waste and other debris.
She urged the FCTA to ensure regular clearing of the drains while calling on residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels.
“Residents also have a responsibility. People should stop throwing plastics, bottles and other refuse into the drains because it makes the problem worse,” Ibrahim said.
The residents said prompt intervention by the authorities would help protect roads and properties, reduce flood-related losses and improve movement during the rainy season.
Environmental experts have stressed that regular drainage maintenance is essential for reducing flood risks, protecting public infrastructure and preventing stagnant water that can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
