Photo Caption
Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda inspecting repair work on vandalised manhole covers along the B6, B12 and Circle roads in the Abuja Business District
By Ignatius Ushie
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed deep concern over the increasing vandalism of manhole covers across the Federal Capital City (FCC).
Addressing journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing repairs on some recently vandalized manhole covers along the B6 and B12 circle roads in the Central Business District of the FCT earlier in the week, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said that such acts of vandalism damage public infrastructure and deprive citizens of essential services and resources.
He explained that the stolen covers were specifically designed to withstand heavy vehicular traffic and are crucial for the proper functioning of the city’s drainage system.
Engr. Dauda also emphasized the security implications of the theft of public infrastructure, stating that the FCT Administration is working with security agencies to strengthen measures to check acts of vandalism in the nation’s capital city.
According to him, “It is unfortunate that we continue to face this challenge. Despite our efforts to replace these covers, they are repeatedly stolen. This is primarily a security issue, and the FCTA administration will take decisive action to curb vandalism within the city.”
Recognizing the immediate need for repairs, the Executive Secretary revealed that the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has directed the swift replacement of all stolen covers to ensure public safety and prevent damage to vehicles.
He however explained the challenges of replacing these crucial infrastructure elements, stating: “Because of the nature of our infrastructure design, we have them in the middle of the road. There are sewer lines and some are storm water lines. They are load-bearing because they take the vehicular load. So, they are specially made for that purpose. So, replacing them, it takes time. It takes quite a deal of effort.”
The Executive Secretary highlighted efforts by the FCTA to explore alternative materials for the covers, such as composite materials, which are less attractive to thieves due to their low recycling value but regretted that they were still being targeted by vandals.
He said, “In many other areas we have used other materials… you still see people coming to break them. For what purpose and for what benefit? I don’t know. Because when you steal infrastructure like this, it’s like stealing from yourself. It’s federal government resources, it’s the national resources that have been used to put it in place.”
While assuring that the replacement will be completed soon, the Executive Secretary urged the media to join in the campaign against this destructive behavior and educate the public on the importance of protecting public property.
