-FCTA to demolish houses in Abuja
-Rivers State inaugurate Committee
-Enugu state sets up taskforce
By Hauwa Ali and Alice Onukwugha
As the rainy season continues, authorities in Nigeria are sounding the alarm about the potential threat of flooding in certain regions of the country.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA) have jointly issued warnings, cautioning that parts of the state are at risk of flooding, with the severity ranging from low to moderate.
With these warnings in place, local authorities are being vigilant and are taking necessary precautions to mitigate potential damages and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has announced its plan to permanently resolve the recurrent flooding issue in various parts of Abuja. In a bid to address the problem, the FCDA intends to demolish all structures situated on waterways within the city.
Notably, affected areas include estates in Lokogoma, Lugbe, and Kubwa.
Recently, Trademore Estate suffered severe consequences from flooding, with over 116 structures submerged, resulting in the loss of two lives and extensive property damage.
Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, the Executive
Secretary of the FCDA, stated that these structures obstruct the natural flow of water, leading to persistent flooding incidents. In
response to public outcry and the urgent need to save lives, the FCDA considers it imperative to take decisive action and rectify the man-made problem caused by those who violate the Abuja Master Plan.
Ahmad emphasized that warnings and demolition notices were issued for buildings in Trademore Estate repeatedly over the years. Despite these warnings, the occupants of the estate continue to jeopardize theirlives and the lives of others.
Consequently, Trademore Estate has been
declared a disaster zone, and residents have been instructed to evacuate due to its unsafe, low-lying location susceptible to
flooding.
In addition to demolishing other structures, the FCDA plans to demolish the Police station in Trademore Estate. Measures have been taken to ensure the FCT Police command can continue their operations effectively and combat crime from a suitable alternative location.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that Trademore Estate lacks the necessary approved building plans. Considering the area’s frequent flooding, the FCDA proposes that these consistently inundated regions should be designated as green spaces instead of residential areas.
In a similar move, the Enugu State Government has also taken proactive measures to address the impending erosion and environmental challenges predicted to affect the state in the coming months, in response to this potential threat. The Enugu State Government established a taskforce to assist in controlling and mitigating the impact of the flooding.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this development during a meeting with stakeholders and taskforce members on Friday in Enugu.
The taskforce consists of representatives from various professional agencies in the state, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA), Enugu State Ministry of Health, Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, town planning authority, the chairmen of the affected council areas, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
During the meeting, the SSG emphasized the need for residents to avoid constructing structures on waterways and to refrain from dumping waste and refuse in drainage systems or deliberately obstructing canals.
He conveyed the concerns of the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, who promptly directed the establishment of the taskforce to protect the lives and property of citizens.
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The taskforce’s mandate includes taking immediate action to prevent environmental disasters anddeveloping a sustainable plan for future engagement with such disasters.
Prof. Onyia cited the predictions made by NiMet and NHSA to highlight the potential risks faced by Enugu State. NiMet’s 2023 seasonal climate prediction indicated that rainfall would be more intense this year, with Enugu State expected to receive between 1300 millimeters and 2000 millimeters of rainfall.
Additionally, NHSA’s annual flood outlook identified Enugu State as one of the 224 local governments atmoderate risk of flooding.
The SSG stressed the devastating impact of floods on life, property, economy, and the environment, underscoring the urgency of establishing the taskforce to address drainage, debris clearance, dredging of waterways, and identification of buildings constructed on waterways.
The taskforce’s immediate focus is on preparing for the 2023 flooding and developing long-term strategies.
The SSG called upon the public to cooperate with the taskforce, particularly in identifying buildings on waterways, evacuating illegal structures, and clearing blocked drainages.
He emphasized the importance of enforcing building regulations, prosecuting sanitary
offenses, and maintaining a proactive response to environmental issues. These measures aim to mitigate the adverse effects of erosion, prevent waterborne diseases, and protect the lives of citizens.
Mrs. Chinasa Mbah, the secretary of the newly constituted taskforce, expressed concern over the state’s history of erosion, including devastating flash floods that have impacted livelihoods. She warned that Enugu State is likely to experience heavy rainfall until December and urged residents to exercise caution in waste disposal, environmental management, and construction practices. She emphasized
the need for a change in mindset regarding the environment, as some buildings have already collapsed due to poor construction practices in erosion-prone areas.
Several local government areas were identified as having a high risk of flooding, including Enugu East, Enugu South, Enugu North, Nkanu East, Nsukka, Udi, Ezeagu, Nkanu West, Igboeze North, Igboeze South, Igbo-Etiti, Oji River, Uzo Uwani, Aninri, Awgu, and Isi Uzo.
With the taskforce in place and the government’s commitment to addressing the erosion and flooding challenges, Enugu State aims to protect its citizens and minimize the potential damage caused by these natural disasters.
Following recent flooding in some communities of Rivers State, local government chairmen in the state have inaugurated Committees to tackle the menace.
Rivers State is one of the states that the Nigerian Methodological Agency (NIMET), predicted would suffer flooding arising from heavy rain falls this year. The Committees, according to the local government Chairmen, are in line with a directive from the State Governor, Sir Siminilaye Fubara.
Those who have already inaugurated the flood committees included, Abua/Odual, Emohua, Ikwerre and Gokhana, and Opobo/Nkoro, LGAs, respectively.
Inaugurating the Committee, Executive Chairman ofAbua/Odual local government area, Sir Opela Daniel, charged them to embark on sensitisation to educate the people on flood and it’s effects.
“You are to embark on massive sensitization of the people on the negative effects of the flood and how best they can live with the Natural disaster which is fast becoming a yearly occurrence”, he said.
He further charged the committee to also fashion out modalities for effective and efficient management of the impending flood as predicted by the NIMET.
Daniel also used the opportunity to charge the people to be on alert by clearing and cleaning their environment and waterways, and as well protecting personal belongings.
Also, executive chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Rr. Hon Enyiada Cookey-Gam, DSSRS, has inauguated a 9-man committee charged charged the team to as a matter of urgency put all necessary logistics in place to cushion whatever damages that may come with the flooding.
He urged them to do a thorough research to help build a strong knowledge bank against future occurrence.
On his part, Chairman of Emohua local government area, Dr Chidi Lloyd mandated the Committee to identify possible flash points, sensitize residents of the LGA and as well, work out modalities to cushion the effect of flood on residents in the area.
It would be recalled that Communities in Oyigbo and Gokhana local government areas of the state were recently flooded following heavy rains that lasted hours.
