The Federal Ministry of Environment has blamed blocked manholes and underground drainage channels for worsening the flash flood that hit Blantyre Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse II, Abuja, on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The ministry said silt, solid waste and debris found in several manholes and drainage inlets had restricted stormwater flow, causing the drainage system to become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall.
The findings were contained in a technical report prepared by the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management after an on-the-spot assessment of the area on August 17.
According to the report, the intense rainfall generated rapid urban runoff, while blocked drainage inlets and restricted underground channels increased the amount of water accumulating on the surface.
The ministry also raised concerns over evidence of sewage-contaminated water at several locations within Abuja City Centre. It said the contamination could be linked to cross-connections, drainage overflow or poor maintenance of drainage and wastewater networks.
The report recommended the immediate clearing and desilting of affected manholes and underground drainage channels. It also called for inspections of upstream and downstream sections to identify concealed blockages.
The ministry further recommended a comprehensive assessment of underground stormwater infrastructure across Abuja City Centre, particularly in areas prone to recurrent flooding.
It proposed that critical drainage facilities be inspected and desilted before every rainy season, with additional checks during periods of heavy rainfall.
The ministry also called for the creation of a digital register containing information on manholes, underground drainage channels, flood-prone areas and maintenance records to improve drainage management in the Federal Capital City.
It stressed that emergency clearing alone would not solve Abuja’s recurring flooding problems, urging authorities to adopt preventive and scheduled maintenance of drainage infrastructure.
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