By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Ministry of Works and Housing to immediately clear blocked drains and repair damaged drainage infrastructure in parts of Abuja plagued by flooding and sewage-related challenges.
The directive affects key locations including Shehu Shagari Way, LaSalle Junction, Alvan Ikoku Way and other flood-prone areas across the Federal Capital Territory. 
The House also called on the FCTA to develop and implement a comprehensive sewage evacuation and drainage maintenance programme, while engaging urban planning and environmental experts to design sustainable solutions to recurring sewage blockages and drainage failures across the capital city.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Clear Blocked Waterways and Sewages in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja”, sponsored by Rep. Blessing Onuh during Thursday’s plenary.
Moving the motion, Onuh warned that neglected drainage channels and blocked sewage systems had become a major public health and environmental concern, contributing to repeated flooding in several parts of Abuja.
She noted that some of the worst-hit locations include Shehu Shagari Way, LaSalle Junction and Alvan Ikoku Way at Minister Hill, as well as communities within the Area Councils of the FCT.
She said: “These problems stem from poor drainage maintenance and blocked channels resulting in stagnant water that emits foul odors and poses serious health and environmental hazards to residents and commuters.
“Worried that the resulting unhygienic conditions from stagnant water and blocked drains increases the risk of waterborne diseases and affect the quality of life within the FCT.
“Also worried that despite repeated public complaints, the response from relevant authorities has remained inadequate, with insufficient proactive measures”.
The lawmaker stressed that proper maintenance of drainage and sewage systems was essential to preventing hazardous overflows and protecting public infrastructure, health and the environment.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, expressing concern over the recurring flooding incidents and the growing risks posed by poorly maintained waterways and drainage channels.
The House mandated its Committee on the Federal Capital Territory and the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation and ensure that the relevant authorities comply with the resolutions.
The latest intervention comes amid growing concerns over flooding and sanitation challenges in parts of Abuja, particularly during the rainy season when blocked drains often worsen traffic congestion, damage infrastructure and expose residents to health risks.
