The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, FEMD, has raised the alarm over the arbitrary building of structures along waterways in parts of the territory, warning that such act could lead to flooding in those areas.
The department specifically noted that the act was prevalent in the Jahi, Gishiri and Mabushi communities, where drainages have been blocked and building erected on water plains.Acting Director-General of FEMD, Florence Wenegieme, who made the observation during the recent risk assessment programme by the department in Jahi and Mabushi Districts, said these actions could lead to avoidable disaster.According to Wenegieme, “Most of the waterways have been obstructed. Residents have built houses on waterways, they have encroached the streams.“As you can see, the natural water course has been blocked, even the green areas have been overtaken by illegal structures.”The DG, therefore, called for the cooperation of FCT residents in the protection of lives and property as the rains intensify. She advised residents to move away from all water courses to avoid the impending flood disaster.Wenegieme explained that the assessment will further help the Agency to strategise mitigative measures and respond better in cases of emergencies.The DG revealed that the department will write to Development Control and the Engineering Services Departments as well as other relevant stakeholders departments to check these communities and ensure they align with the principles of the Abuja Master Plan.In a related development, FEMD has trained 50 staff and volunteers on disaster response in line with global best practices. Wenegieme said that the simulation training, which took place last week, focused on water safety, water rescue, building collapse, and fire outbreaks.She said that the simulation exercise was organized to enhance the capacity of the staff and volunteers.“This simulation exercise and drills are to build our capacity in terms of rescue operations of any kind while paramedics were trained on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.“The training exercise is aimed at equipping the staff and volunteers of the department with the needed skills and expertise to help them discharge their duties in line with global best practices,” she said.
