Abuja Estate Flood: Why We Should Have Stayed Away – Govt

• Florence Wenegieme emphasized that flooded houses in Trademore Estate were among 116 structures marked for demolition in 2023
• She urged residents and a school with 500 pupils to relocate, warning their lives are at risk due to flooding

Florence Wenegieme, Acting Director General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), has addressed the recent flooding at Trademore Estate in the Lugbe area of Abuja, emphasizing that the affected houses were among 116 structures marked for demolition in 2023 when the area was declared a disaster zone.

Following an assessment of the flooded areas after Monday’s downpour, Wenegieme highlighted that her team should not have needed to be at the estate, as the residents had previously resisted the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) efforts to demolish the structures obstructing waterways. This resistance included legal action against the agency, which led to an injunction preventing the removal of the obstructions.

“The injunction stopped FCTA from removing all obstruction along the waterway, which was part of the solution to the lingering challenge,” Wenegieme explained. She reiterated that residents had been advised to relocate from the area but had refused to move.

During her visit, Wenegieme expressed concern about a primary school within the estate, situated on a water channel and housing approximately 500 pupils, along with staff and management. She described the situation as a disaster waiting to happen.

“We have just discovered a school on the flood plain with students that could be up to 500, including their teachers, management, and other non-academic staff. Their lives are at stake,” she said. She urged the school management to relocate to a safer location to protect the children, teachers, and property.

Wenegieme stressed the situation’s urgency, advising all residents to vacate the area for their safety. “You all are not safe when there is flooding. If there is a heavy downpour again, you can never tell what will happen, and that is why we don’t want our children, the leaders of tomorrow, to remain here. We are just here to advise you for now,” she concluded.