Residents of Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory have urged the FCT Administration (FCTA) to intensify routine desilting and maintenance of drainage channels to reduce flooding during the rainy season.
The residents made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), following recurring flooding in parts of the community, particularly PW, 2/2 and Phase 3.
They said that blocked and poorly maintained drainage channels often caused stormwater to overflow onto roads and adjoining properties during heavy rainfall.
A resident of PW, Mr Ezekiel Dazang, said regular desilting would improve water flow and minimize 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, Mr Solomon Danjuma, said some residents had been forced to spend money cleaning their compounds and repairing property damaged by floodwater.
“Some of us have spent money cleaning our compounds and repairing some things that were damaged by floodwater. It is becoming an additional burden for residents.
“The government should not wait until the rainy season is already causing problems before desilting the drainage channels. They should make it a routine exercise,” he said.
Mrs Farida Ibrahim attributed the blockage of some drainage channels to indiscriminate disposal of refuse, including 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.
According to her, effective drainage management requires cooperation between the authorities and residents.
“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.
Other residents called for prompt intervention to protect roads and properties, reduce the cost of repairing flood-related damage and improve movement during the rainy season.
They expressed hope that the FCTA would prioritize routine desilting and maintenance of drainage channels across Kubwa.
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NAN reports that environmental experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of regular drainage maintenance in controlling floods, protecting public infrastructure and safeguarding public health.
They warned that stagnant water resulting from blocked drains could provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
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