Abuja Drowns: Green Areas Submerged, Mansions Under Water As Floods Ravage Capital

Several high-value mansions in Maitama Extension, Abuja, were severely affected by flooding over the weekend, a phenomenon residents attributed to indiscriminate construction along waterways and blocked drainage channels. Properties belonging to prominent individuals, including the Kano State Deputy Governor, Murtala Garo, and former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, were among those submerged. The severity of the flooding was reportedly worsened after a major canal was covered to facilitate the construction of buildings linked to a senator, allegedly built on a designated green area and the canal corridor.

The heavy downpour on Saturday caused widespread disruption across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), impacting vehicular movement, trapping motorists, and forcing businesses to temporarily close as water overwhelmed roads and drainage systems. Beyond Maitama Extension, areas like Wuse 1, Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa, and Gudu districts were also severely affected. Residents recounted vehicles remaining stranded for hours, with some developing mechanical faults. Houses situated at lower elevations were particularly vulnerable, including the residence of the late Solomon Arase.

Concerns were also raised about the continuous conversion of green areas and waterways for construction, coupled with blocked drainage channels and waste accumulation, all contributing to the worsening flood situation. A large building under construction near Golfview Estate was reportedly located on a waterway, further highlighting the disregard for environmental guidelines and the Abuja Master Plan. One resident expressed alarm over the construction of approximately 20 duplexes on a designated green area in Maitama Extension, where developers were allegedly converting a natural canal into an access road, raising serious questions about the approval process by Development Control.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT senatorial district, explicitly linked the escalating flooding in Abuja to ongoing construction on green areas, flood channels, and floodplains, asserting that blocked waterways are significantly reducing natural drainage routes. In an interview, Senator Kingibe revealed she had formally written to relevant FCT agencies, including Development Control, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the FCDA, condemning these actions as a clear departure from Abuja’s master plan. She cited instances such as a residential project built on a sewage line in Wuse Zone 6, creating health risks, and flood channels in areas like Asokoro being obstructed by construction. The Senator emphasized that her concerns about Abuja’s infrastructure predated any political disagreements and were driven by the need to protect her constituents. While acknowledging that Abuja’s flooding problem predates the current administration, Kingibe maintained that the situation has been significantly exacerbated over the past three to four years. She called for immediate measures, including the clearing of rubbish and drains, and urged for a holistic, non-political approach to address long-standing deficiencies in Abuja’s sewage and drainage systems, requesting the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight of the FCT.

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) also issued an urgent call for action, stressing that the recurring flooding in Abuja should not be dismissed as merely an inevitable consequence of heavy rainfall. Barr. Festus Adebayo, Executive Director of HDAN, highlighted that the recent floods underscore the severe consequences of rapid urban development that neglects adequate attention to drainage, natural waterways, green areas, and the carrying capacity of existing infrastructure. He noted that luxurious properties in high-brow areas like Maitama and Wuse, costing billions, were submerged due to violations of proper urban planning. HDAN questioned the logic of obstructing natural waterways, converting green areas, and blocking drainage channels without providing alternative routes for rainwater. The network advocated for a comprehensive audit of developments around waterways and flood-prone areas, an investigation into questionable approvals, strict protection of natural waterways and floodplains, restoration of designated green areas, regular desilting and maintenance of drains, and stricter action against indiscriminate waste disposal. HDAN concluded by urging the FCT Administration to implement a comprehensive stormwater management strategy that integrates proper urban planning, effective development control, drainage expansion and maintenance, environmental protection, and rigorous enforcement.