By Abdulrahman Abdullahi
Residents of Abuja have called on the Federal Government to commence measures to curb flood as the rainy season draws nearer.
A cross-section of residents who spoke with NatureNews over the weekend, lamented that last year’s flood destroyed valuable properties and lives, adding that they wouldn’t want to experience same this year.
A report from Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET) had earlier stated that the devastating impact of the 2020 flood killed 68 people, affected 35 states including FCT [Federal Capital Territory], 320 LGAs [local government areas] and over 129,000 people.
As a result of this experience, a resident of Zuba, Anas Muhammad who expressed panic expressed the urgent need for government to put measures that will help in protecting his community from the havoc of flood.
He stated that last year’s flood was terrible as lives and properties were lost.
When asked about the community’s readiness and measures to protect themselves against recurrence of the disaster, Anas said, ‘’the residents of Zuba have been working hard to put protective measures on ground as part of preparations towards the rainy season.’’
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However, he maintained that government effort is most needed.
“Indeed, we are trying our best, most houses which are vulnerable to flooding have started decongesting culverts and other water logged places, filth is being regularly removed from the culverts as well.
“All we need now is for the government to assist us and provide the needful, like reconstructing the damaged culverts and ensure enforcement law that will hinder residents from dumping refuse indiscriminately,” Anas said.
Another resident of Gwagwalada, Uche John, who explained the sad condition of his community during the last rainy season, lamented how properties and lives were lost.
According to him, government is solely responsible for ensuring that protective measures are put in place to ensure that this year’s rainfall will not bring havoc to people of Gwagwalada.
NatureNews recalls that the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Siriki, while presenting 2021 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) produced by NiMet on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 disclosed that there will be a normal to above-normal annual rainfall for most parts of the country.
States like Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kano will experience below-normal rainfall.
Sirka later called on farmers not to rush into farming as they might be deceived by the early rainfall while also advising residents to ensure that they clear all water logged places and ensure a clean and safe environment.
