By Bisola Adeyemo
The Abia State Government has warned the people of Abia state to properly dispose their wastes, clear drainages as a way to curb the predicted floods across the nation.
Governor of the State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu made this known on Friday via his official Twitter handle @GovernorIkpeazu.
His wrote, ”Following the warnings in February of flooding in several states of the federation by the @nimetnigeria, warnings that were reiterated by the @nihsa_ng in March, we have since taken steps to ameliorate whatever effect the predicted flooding will have on our people and State since we can do nothing to stop the force of nature.
“Part of the steps we’ve taken include our deliberate approach to the construction of deep and wide drainages where they never existed, and the reconstruction of some we thought were neither deep nor wide enough to collect storm water in areas prone to flooding in our State.
“This is in addition to the several roads we have constructed which will also allow for the smooth flow of flood waters into the drainages from where they flow into our major storm water collection points which we have also dredged for depth and width.
“My administration through the relevant agencies has also embarked on the desilting of drainages to allow for free flow of rainwater. So, while it won’t be unusual to experience flooding in Abia State as predicted by the nation’s foremost concerned agencies, we believe that the steps we’ve taken so far will help to ensure that the situation is bearable for our people.
“I call on our people to also complement Government’s efforts in this regard by disposing their wastes properly and not block the drainages or other water paths with them. I also call on them to clear their drainages regularly as our battle against the predicted floods across the nation is a collective responsibility.”
