The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to urgently clear blocked drains and rehabilitate failing drainage systems across key locations in the nation’s capital.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to clear blocked waterways and sewage in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” moved by Honourable Blessing Onuh during plenary.
The House specifically tasked the relevant authorities with addressing the infrastructure challenges along Shehu Shagari Way, LaSalle Junction, and Alvan Ikoku Way, alongside other flood-prone areas within the city.
In her lead debate, Honourable Onuh expressed deep concern over the persistent flooding experienced along major roads, attributing the development to poor maintenance of existing drainage channels.
She lamented that the resulting stagnant water has become a breeding ground for health hazards, while also emitting foul odours that cause significant discomfort to residents and commuters.
The lawmaker further observed that despite persistent public outcry and complaints, the response from relevant agencies has been lacklustre, marked by a lack of proactive measures to mitigate the recurring problem.
In his ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, urged the FCTA to implement a comprehensive sewage evacuation and drainage maintenance master plan.
The Speaker also charged the administration to engage urban planning and environmental experts to formulate long-term, sustainable strategies aimed at preventing the recurring blockage of sewage and drainage systems within the FCT and its surrounding areas.
