The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has identified inadequate drainage systems, undersized bridges and obstruction of natural waterways as major causes of flash flooding across parts of Abuja.

The warning followed a joint flood assessment conducted by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Department of Engineering, Development Control and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), after flooding was reported along the Lugbe Airport Road axis, opposite Glory Dome.

A statement by the Head, Public Affairs, FEMD, Nkechi Isa, quoted the assessment team as saying that “the estate located behind Trademore Estate has inadequate drainage infrastructure,” resulting in stormwater flowing towards the Airport Expressway after heavy rainfall and causing flooding and serious traffic congestion.

The team, however, noted that “no active flooding was observed” at Trademore Estate during the inspection, adding that the adjoining water channel was within normal levels.

At Dogongada Bridge in Lokogoma, the team warned that the existing structure “was inadequate to accommodate large volumes of storm water during heavy rainfall and was at risk of structural failure.”

Similarly, it said flash flooding at Efab Estate was attributed to “the diversion of natural waterways, as well as inadequate standard drainage infrastructure,” while the bridge at Pengason Estate was found to have limited capacity to convey stormwater and was recommended for expansion.

The assessment team also raised concerns over activities around waterways in Apo, behind Cedarcrest Hospital, where ongoing construction of retaining walls had “narrowed the available waterway, restricting the free flow of stormwater and increasing the risk of flash flooding.”

It further disclosed that a house constructed close to the water channel had been demolished by the Department of Development Control.

At the Apo Bridge, the team found that the structure had “inadequate capacity to effectively convey large volumes of stormwater during heavy rainfall,” while the surrounding area lacked an adequate standard drainage system.

The release stated that following the assessment, the FCTA recommended immediate intervention at locations where bridges and drainage structures are inadequate or at risk of failure.

The team also called for standard drainage systems in estates and communities experiencing recurrent flooding, while stressing that natural waterways and flood channels must be protected and restored.

It specifically warned against “encroachment, diversion and obstruction” of waterways, saying such activities increase the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.