The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is re-evaluating the master plan for Usuma District in response to growing concerns regarding the potential contamination of the Usuma Dam’s water supply.
This initiative follows a joint site inspection led by the Department of Development Control, in collaboration with agencies focused on physical planning, infrastructure, and environmental management.
The site visit was initiated due to worries that unchecked development activities near the dam could threaten one of the city’s vital water sources. Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, director of the Department of Development Control, underscored the seriousness of the situation and called for a comprehensive review of the existing layout to prevent long-term repercussions.
“There were concerns raised by different stakeholders regarding development in the proximity of Usuma Dam. That is why we invited relevant stakeholders to visit the site and see firsthand what is happening.
“Development pressure on the area is imminent. It’s not about what will happen in 50 years; by the next two years, we’ll see development behind the dam. We have to implement measures to safeguard this critical resource,” he said.
He urged the agencies involved to evaluate the layout’s relevance and develop sustainable measures.
“Is the layout relevant? Is it adequate? Suppose we believe there is a threat to the existence of this water body. In that case, we can formalise our concerns, ensuring that posterity judges us favorably for taking action at this critical time,” he said.
Galadima called for collaborative contributions from relevant departments to guide future approvals, stating, “Urban and Regional Planning should provide an updated layout of the district.
“The Water Board needs to collaborate with URP to determine an appropriate distance from the dam and provide policies regarding dams and water bodies in the FCT to guide our approvals.”
While confirming that Usuma District is open for development under the approved master plan, he noted that the administration may initiate a full layout review if necessary.
Assistant director of Engineering Services at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Mohammed Danimoh added a technical perspective, pointing out the longstanding issues related to the area’s topography.
“The entire terrain slopes toward the Usuma Dam, posing significant risks for surface runoff and wastewater management.
“The master plan policy advises against sewage pumping. All sewage should be directed via gravity. However, any development here will necessitate pumping, raising serious sustainability concerns,” he said.
While acknowledging that engineering solutions are available, he questioned their feasibility: “There may be solutions, but at what cost? Developing a sewage treatment plant is possible, but sustainability remains an issue, as evidenced by our past experiences with similar facilities in the city.”
The inspection also addressed flood-prone areas in the Lokogoma district, with Galadima characterising the visit as a proactive measure ahead of the rainy season.
“This area is notorious for flooding in Abuja, which is why we invited all relevant stakeholders. We plan to utilise our equipment to expand the channels for better water flow,” he said.
He warned illegal developers, particularly those reconstructing previously demolished structures, stating, “We have marked these sites to prevent further encroachment, and we will be removing any illegal structures. This serves as notice to stop building on waterways.”
