Niger state warns riverine communities on blockage of water ways

Abdul Mohammed Isa, Niger State

The Governor of Niger State in North central Nigeria has expressed displeasure on attitude of communities in flood prone areas and individuals converting drainages into refuse dumps across the state .

The Governor of the state Abibakar Sani Bello stated this during the inspection of ongoing road projects Minna the state Capital on Thursday.

The Governor who directed the State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) to immediately commence the evacuation and clearing of drainages ahead of the rainy season as a proactive measure against flooding., added that such practice have, on many occasions, rendered government’s efforts ineffective in checkmating perennial floodings.

“Communities and individuals are not helping matters by blocking the drainage systems with refuse, such practice must stop. However, we must not wait until it’s too late to clear the drains because the rains will soon be here”. Said Governor Bello

He further said poor planning and lack of monitoring by officials of the ministry and agencies have been responsible for the degradation of the settlements over the years .

“We must redesign those settlements to make them easily accessible so that infrastructure and other utilities can be provided to the people”. Added Governor Bello

Communities in Niger state North Central Nigeria have suffered casualties resulting from over flooding of river Niger after heavy rainfall in recent years.