The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has said that all illegal structures and refuse dumps obstructing natural pathways of water must be removed to prevent future flood disasters in the territory.
Bello made the statement when he paid a sympathy visit on Tuesday to flood victims and to assess the extent of damage caused by the flood in Dei-Dei area of Abuja which claimed three lives.
A family of three, comprising Malama Rahmatu Abubakar, 30, her son, Yusuf, 4, and younger sister, Maryam Nuhu, 26, died when a flood submerged their house on Monday night while they were sleeping.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the head of the family and Ramatu’s husband, Malam Abubakar, was away on a business trip when the incident occurred.
NAN also learnt the flood destroyed many houses and property.
The minister said the government would have no choice than to remove structures that encumbered the natural flow of water to prevent flooding and protect lives, property and investments of residents.
“We have spoken to the community; we have also informed them that water will naturally always find its way and we are now just in the middle of July.
“We still have a lot of rain coming and we have advised them on what they need to do.
“From what I have received of their feedback, I think they have understood the need for all those that are residing on the direct natural water course to leave,’’
Bello said there was a need for those residing in those areas to move and also to clean the surrounding area.
He said the step was necessary “so that when water comes back as it will definitely do, it will have a natural way of flowing.’’
NAN learnt that Rafinpa River traversing Gwarimpa through neighbouring communities across Dei-Dei and Dakwa communities overflowed its bank and wreaked havoc in the affected communities on the night.
The occurrence is said to be the second in 15 years.
The minister was accompanied on the visit by the Bwari Area Council Chairman, Mr Musa Dikko, and the Director of FCT Emergency Management Agency, Mr Abbas Idris.
