Gabriel Enenche —
Some states in the North-West zone have commenced stockpiling of relief materials and establishing of IDP camps in anticipation of flooding as predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Services Agency (NiMet). Investigation in Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano and Katsina also revealed intensification of enlightenment campaigns by state governments.
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Furthermore, some of the government officials have began de-silting of drainages to ensure free flow of water.
The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said it had conducted simulation exercises to address issue of rescue operations during flood emergency.
Abubakar Hassan, Executive Secretary of the agency, said the exercise was necessary to test infrastructure on ground in anticipation of flood.
“We have continued to sensitise residents, strengthen their capacity and open communication channels to address flood challenges in the state.
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“The Agency and other relevant stakeholders are reviewing the state’s contingency plan to address emerging trends relating to flood disasters,” Hassan said.
He said as part of its proactive measures, the Agency had already provided alternative shelters in each Local Government Area (LGA) in anticipation of flood.
Mr Lawal Jibrin, General Manager, Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority, said the authority had issued 305 relocation notices to residents of flood-prone areas in the state.
Jibrin said that no fewer than 30 flood cases were reported in 2020, with many lives lost, adding that indiscriminate dumping of garbages that filled drainages was the major cause of flooding in the state.
According to him, the state government has engaged the services of three waste disposal companies to evacuate refuse across the state on daily basis.
Jibrin said from 2020 to date, the authority had sanctioned 190 defaulters for running foul of environmental sanitation rules.
“With our mobile courts, we will continue to sanction any violator of our environmental hygiene laws,” he warned.
