By Nkechi Eze
As part of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding during the ongoing rainy season, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has barricaded the Ring Road 2 Interchange slip road at Galadimawa. The closure, announced during a site visit on Wednesday, is aimed at safeguarding lives and property in the area, which has become increasingly vulnerable to flood-related incidents.
Speaking at the location, the Acting Director General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, explained that the decision to close the road was informed by consistent monitoring of water levels in the area. He revealed that the slip road, which links the Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road 2, has shown signs of rising water levels, indicating imminent flooding if left open to vehicular movement.
“The water level on this slip road is building up and this place will be flooded. We have decided to act before it becomes a threat to lives and vehicles,” Engr. Abdulrahman stated. He noted that the closure is a critical part of the department’s flood preparedness strategy, adding that while the road should have been closed as early as June, the FEMD had been closely observing the situation before taking this necessary step.
In an official statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, the department emphasized that the barricade is part of a broader effort to prepare for, and mitigate, flood risks in the FCT. The statement underscored that preventing flood-related tragedies is a top priority for the department this season.
The FEMD boss appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory to be patient and understanding, urging them to seek alternative routes for their commutes. He also issued a stern warning against driving into pools of water during heavy rains, advising motorists to wait for floodwaters to recede before attempting to move.
Engr. Abdulrahman reminded residents to use the 112 emergency toll-free number in case of any disaster-related incident, stressing the importance of community cooperation and early reporting in managing emergencies effectively.
The dangers posed by flooding on this particular stretch of road are not new. In 2019, a tragic incident occurred when a heavy downpour caused severe flooding at the Galadimawa Interchange, claiming the life of Mr. Tony Okecheme, Director of Finance at the FCT High Court. That fatal incident has remained a stark reminder of the need for timely preventive action.
Also present at the road closure were the Head of Abuja Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Zakari Abubakar, and officials from the Department of Development Control, signaling a coordinated inter-agency approach to flood disaster prevention within the capital territory.
Residents have been encouraged to remain alert during the wet season and comply with all safety advisories issued by emergency management authorities.
