The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has identified inadequate drainage systems, undersized bridges and obstruction of natural waterways as major factors contributing to flash flooding in parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The findings followed a joint assessment of flood-prone locations conducted by the FCTA in collaboration with relevant emergency management and technical agencies after the recent flooding along the Lugbe Airport Road axis, opposite Glory Dome.
The assessment, conducted on September 1, 2026, was led by the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and involved officials of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Department of Engineering, Development Control and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
According to a statement by the Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, the exercise was aimed at identifying the causes of flash flooding, evaluating the condition and capacity of drainage and bridge infrastructure, and recommending measures to reduce flood risks across the FCT.
At the Lugbe Airport Road location opposite Glory Dome, the team found that an estate behind Trademore Estate had inadequate drainage infrastructure. It observed that heavy rainfall on September 1 caused stormwater from the estate to flow towards the Airport Expressway, resulting in flooding and severe traffic congestion.
The team also inspected Trademore Estate, where no active flooding was observed. The water level in the adjoining channel was found to be within normal limits during the assessment.
At Dogongada Bridge in Lokogoma, although there was no active flooding, the team found that the existing bridge lacked sufficient capacity to accommodate large volumes of stormwater during heavy rainfall and was at risk of structural failure.
Similarly, flash flooding recorded in parts of Efab Estate was attributed to the diversion of natural waterways and inadequate standard drainage infrastructure.
At Pengason Estate, the assessment team found no active flooding but noted that the existing bridge had limited capacity to convey large volumes of stormwater during heavy rainfall. The bridge was consequently identified as requiring expansion.
The assessment also revealed concerns around the Apo axis, behind Cedarcrest Hospital, where ongoing construction of retaining walls along a water channel had narrowed the waterway and restricted the free flow of stormwater, thereby increasing the risk of flash flooding.
The team further observed that a house constructed close to the water channel had already been demolished by the Department of Development Control.
At the Apo Bridge, after Cedarcrest Hospital, the team found that the existing bridge lacked adequate capacity to effectively convey large volumes of stormwater during heavy rainfall. The surrounding area was also found to lack a standard drainage system, further exposing it to flooding.
Following the assessment, the team recommended immediate intervention at locations where bridges and drainage structures were inadequate or at risk of failure.
It also called for the construction of standard drainage systems in estates and communities experiencing recurrent flooding, while emphasising the need to protect and restore natural waterways and flood channels.
The team stressed that encroachment, diversion and obstruction of natural waterways must be prevented to improve stormwater flow and reduce the risk of flooding across the Territory.
