By Miriam Humbe
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), has barricaded the slip road at the Galadimawa interchange to prevent the loss of lives and property.
The closure followed the prediction by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, (NIHSA), of heavy floods in 30,000 communities in 33 States and the FCT.
In a statement during the closure of the slip, the Director of FEMD, Mr. Baba Gambo said the measure became necessary as NiHSA puts peak flooding between July and September.
Represented by the Head of Forecasting, Mitigation and Response, Mr Mark Nyam, Baba Gambo said the seasonal closure was a preventive measure following a fatal flood incident in the area four years ago.
He appealed to motorists to use the main carriage way which remained accessible, noting that the slip road only served as an alternative.
He said: “We have placed heavy concrete slabs with reflective tapes and warning signs to prevent motorists from using the slip road”.
Mr Baba Gambo urged residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of a disaster.
Also speaking, a representative of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr. Abdulkadir Musa said the Agency was working with FEMD to protect the lives and property of residents.
He said: “The concrete barriers and reflective diversion signs would effectively discourage motorists from using the closed road”.
Recall that heavy floods on the slip road which connects Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road 2 at Galadimawa had in 2019, claimed the life of the Director of Finance, FCT High Court, Mr Tony Okecheme.
