ACTDA Begins Enforcement Against Drainage Encroachments in Awka, Removes Illegal Structures to Tackle Flooding

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) on Saturday commenced the enforcement phase of its operation to clear blocked drainage channels and remove illegal structures obstructing natural waterways in Awka, beginning from Abuja Estate behind Ikenga Shopping Mall.

The exercise, which lasted several hours, was aimed at addressing the perennial flooding that has affected the area for several months and restoring the natural flow of stormwater.

Speaking during the exercise, the Commander of the Awka Capital Territory Agency (ACTA), Mr Nworah Jude Nwachukwu, said the operation followed repeated notices and markings served on property owners who had encroached on designated drainage channels but failed to comply.

He lamented that many residents ignored several warnings issued by the authority, making enforcement inevitable.

“We are here to reopen the drainage channel. Many people have encroached on the waterways, and what they are experiencing today is the consequence of severe flooding that has persisted for months.

“We visited this area several times and marked the affected structures, directing their owners to remove them from the drainage corridor, but many refused to comply,” he said.

Nwachukwu explained that the agency’s priority was to ensure that all obstructions were removed to allow floodwater to flow freely along its natural course.

According to him, the initial phase of the operation will involve the demolition of several perimeter fences and at least two bungalows found to have been erected directly on the drainage corridor.

“For now, two bungalows and several fences will be removed. As the exercise progresses, we will determine whether other structures also have to give way if they are found to be obstructing the waterways,” he stated.

The ACTA commander disclosed that the enforcement exercise is expected to last five days in the area, adding that officials would continue monitoring other locations where illegal developments have blocked natural drainage channels.

He explained that the waterway follows a long-established natural course stretching from Ban Hill through the area to Ezu near Oganiru Estate, but regretted that indiscriminate construction by property owners had obstructed the channel, resulting in recurrent flooding.

“The water has a natural channel that has existed for years, but people came and built on it, thereby blocking its flow,” he said.

The latest enforcement exercise underscores ACTDA’s determination, under the leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Osita Onuko, to restore order in the Awka Capital Territory as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of transforming Awka into a smart and globally competitive megacity.

Since assuming office, Onuko has intensified efforts to improve environmental sanitation, urban planning, traffic management, development control, and the protection of public infrastructure across the capital territory.

The authority has also been at the forefront of attracting strategic international partnerships to accelerate urban renewal.

Recently, Spanish consulting and engineering firm Acciona visited Awka to commence activities under the African Development Bank (AfDB)-supported African Cities Programme.

Working in collaboration with ACTDA, the delegation, led by Deputy Project Leader Elisa Maceratini and Environmental Specialist Carolina Ferrandi, engaged key stakeholders on priority projects.

The drainage clearance exercise is expected to complement these broader urban development initiatives by reducing flooding, safeguarding infrastructure, and creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable capital city in line with the Soludo administration’s vision of a livable and prosperous homeland.