Kwara State government has embarked on awareness campaign on the devastating effects of flood in the riverine areas of the state.
The campaign aims at averting loss of lives and property, as well as preventing the outbreak of cholera and other communicable diseases in the state.
The sensitisation campaign team, which was led by the Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Musa-Buge, visited Gbaradogi village in Patigi local government area, where it conveyed to the people, government’s commitment to public safety, and appealed to the people to relocate to safer places to avoid disaster.
“The current administration is deeply concerned about the impending flood situation and will therefore take proactive measures at ensuring safety of lives and property and as well avoid the outbreak of communicable diseases,” the commissioner said.
She urged those residing in riverine communities to heed government’s warning by relocating to higher grounds or the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp provided by the state government.
Musa-Buge also warned against traveling on waterways during the rainy season to prevent boat mishaps.
She also stressed the importance of obtaining necessary approvals from relevant government agencies before embarking on any construction and as well, avoid building houses close to or on waterways, adding that residents should follow government’s directives on evacuation as provided by the state Ministry of Environment and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
She reaffirmed government’s determination to continue to provide necessary relief and support for the people of the affected communities, while also encouraging sustainable living practices.
In his remarks, the village Head of Gbaradogi, Alh Ndatsadu Muhammad, commended the state government’s initiative, stating that it would go a long way in preventing loss of lives and property in the riverine areas.
He, however, sought more relief materials to alleviate the suffering of affected people, particularly the provision of food and portable water.
