Demolition of properties obstructing waterways and drainage channels has commenced in Maitama, Abuja, following a directive by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The demolition exercise followed Wike’s inspection of areas affected by the flooding that occurred in the nation’s capital on Sunday.
During the inspection, the minister directed the removal of several properties identified as obstructing waterways and drainage channels, blaming such structures for contributing to the flooding experienced in Maitama and other parts of Abuja.
Wike warned that all buildings found to be blocking waterways and drainage channels would be demolished, stressing that the exercise would be completed before Saturday.
“We have seen where people blocked channels where water should pass. They did that believing that nothing will happen.
“I have told people that because nothing happened yesterday does not mean it won’t happen today. That it did not happen today does not mean it won’t happen tomorrow.
“Now, something will happen. I’m going to bring those houses down. Every house on the water channel will go down. From now till Saturday, we will bring them down,” he stated.
The minister’s directive underscores the FCT Administration’s renewed push to clear waterways and drainage channels of illegal or obstructive structures in an effort to mitigate flooding and improve the city’s drainage system.
