By Hassan Ibrahim
As the rainy season approaches, residents of Zaria are expressing concern about the possibility of renewed flooding, with many criticizing authorities for what they describe as a failure to provide effective drainage systems within the city and its surrounding areas.
Reports from the area indicate that some roads have no drainage at all, while in other places the drains are either too narrow or blocked, causing water to accumulate whenever it rains.
One of the most affected areas is Kofar Doka, where rainfall has already begun to flood the road, disrupting traffic and business activities.
Residents say that if this is the situation even before the peak of the rainy season, it raises serious concern—especially considering what happened during last year’s rains.
Last year, floodwaters reportedly extended from Kofar Doka bridge to Agwaro Road, submerging roads and completely halting movement.
The situation even forced the suspension of some activities at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in Tudun Wada, as access roads were flooded, forcing people to wait for the water to recede before passing.
This year, early signs have already emerged. Rainfall on Sunday caused water accumulation in several areas, even forcing the suspension of the final match of the Kaduna State Cup held at the Nasara Field in Kofar Doka, in order to ensure the safety of players and spectators, according to a local sports outlet.
What has further alarmed residents is the slow pace of construction work on the Kofar Doka bridge, despite its importance as a key route connecting several areas and serving as a major link between states such as Kaduna and Plateau.
Some residents argue that despite funds allocated by governments for development projects—including support from the federal government through the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives—there has been little focus on issues that directly affect people’s daily lives.
Investigations conducted after the recent rainfall suggest that one of the main solutions is to expand drainage systems and repair blocked ones.
Residents have also called on the Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Engineer Jamilu Ahmad Jaga, to allocate special funds for clearing drainage channels and constructing temporary ones in areas where none exist.
Additionally, there is a renewed call for public awareness on the dangers of dumping waste in drainage systems, which contributes significantly to blockages and flooding.
Meanwhile, some observers are also raising concerns about newly constructed roads in the area, noting that signs of deterioration are already visible even before the rainy season fully sets in—raising doubts about the quality of the work carried out.
Analysts warn that unless urgent measures are taken, there is a strong likelihood of a repeat of last year’s situation, including property damage and potential threats to lives.
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