The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has flagged off a comprehensive desilting exercise along the critical Airport Road corridor and other strategic locations across Abuja, the nation’s capital, to prevent urban flooding during the peak rainy season.
The infrastructure maintenance exercise involves the systematic removal of accumulated silt, sand, refuse and other debris clogging major drainage channels, culverts and waterways across the territory.
Engr. Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is directly monitoring the ongoing operations to ensure strict adherence to engineering standards and the complete clearing of obstructed waterways.
Speaking during an inspection of the cleared sites, officials emphasised that unblocking primary and secondary drainage routes is crucial to preserving road infrastructure and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic during heavy downpours.
Over time, sand carried by surface runoff and the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste have restricted water flow along major transit corridors, increasing the risk of flash floods.
The administration urged residents to desist from dumping waste in drainage channels, noting that effective environmental management requires collective action to protect lives and public infrastructure throughout the Federal Capital Territory.
