The Nasarawa State Government has commenced massive evacuation and
clearing of drainage systems across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state to prevent potential flooding.
The Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Malam Garba Mohammed, made this announcement over the weekend during a briefing with journalists in Lafia after the June sanitation exercise.
The Permanent Secretary expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of some residents who dispose of waste in drains, obstructing the free flow of water.
Malam Mohammed stated that while the ministry is currently clearing the drains, house and shop owners will be held responsible for any blockages within their premises in the future.
He emphasized the importance of preventing blockages in waterways, citing the destructive nature of floods in various states, including parts of Nasarawa State.
“When you block the waterways and impede the free flow of water, you invite disaster because water will inevitably find a way to pass,” noted the Permanent Secretary.
Regarding compliance, the PS expressed satisfaction and commended the traditional rulers, Chairmen of Area Councils, and security agencies for the success of the exercise.
He reported that approximately 90 percent of residents adhered to the sanitation exercise by cleaning the surrounding areas, shutting down their shops and businesses.
During the exercise, the state was effectively closed off in accordance with the law, allowing only those with relevant permissions and essential service providers to move around.
In related news, 39 individuals suspected of violating environmental sanitation laws in Lafia and Karu Local Government Areas (LGAs) were arrested and prosecuted by various mobile courts in the respective LGAs.