By Faridat Salifu
Kwara State Government has enjoined residents of flood prone communities in the state to relocate to a more safer area to reduce the risk of flooding taking the current rainfall into consideration.
This warning comes after days of continuous rainfall, which has already led to flooding around the Asa River, affecting communities in Unity Road, Taiwo Isale, and Isale Koko in the Ilorin South and Ilorin East local governments.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, residents were urged to remain calm but vigilant as the state monitors the situation.
The commissioner assured the public that it is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the flooding, noting that the weather conditions are part of a broader global trend linked to climate change.
According to Buge, the abnormal patterns of rainfall and extreme weather events are global issues resulting from climate change, which has disrupted the usual transition between rainy and dry seasons.
She explained that human activities have contributed significantly to this phenomenon, and the current flooding is part of these broader environmental changes.
According to the commissioner, Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is prioritising public safety by implementing various flood prevention measures.
These include continuous dredging of the Asa River, desilting drainage systems, constructing embankments, providing waste bins, expanding waste disposal sites, and encouraging waste recycling.
The government has also focused on sensitising the public on environmental issues through media campaigns and outreach efforts with stakeholders.
Buge extended sympathies to families affected by the flooding, acknowledging the loss of property and, in some cases, loved ones.
She emphasised the importance of residents following safety precautions, including relocating to higher ground and avoiding travel during heavy rains. She also urged residents to comply with building regulations, particularly avoiding construction on waterways, and to heed flood warnings.
The Commissioner further called on the public to play an active role in safeguarding the environment, stressing that sustainable practices, such as tree planting and proper waste disposal, are critical to reducing the risks posed by climate change.
Buge also appealed for support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups in climate change adaptation efforts.