The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has stressed the need to relocate vulnerable communities in flood-prone areas.
It also urged the government to implement Watershed Management Practices through sustainable land use and afforestation to prevent excessive water runoff.
The 25th national president of NITP, Nathaniel Atebije, made the call in Enugu during the 8th edition of his quarterly press briefing, which was part of activities marking the 55th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the organisation.
He insisted that people in high-risk flood zones, particularly those living along river banks and coastal areas, need to be relocated.
The NITP president also urged the government to develop affordable housing schemes for people resettled from flood-prone areas to safer locations.
However, he noted that though floods are seen as natural disasters, environmental fraud undeniably worsens their effects.
He warned that the illegal exploitation of the environment for short term gains, creates long term vulnerabilities.
“ There is a need for relocation of people in flood prone areas or high risk flood zones particularly along river banks and coastal areas. The government should develop affordable housing schemes for people who are resettled from flood-prone areas to safer locations.
“ Why flooding is seen as a natural disaster, environmental fraud plays an undeniable role in worsening its effects, the illegal exploitation of the environment for short term gains, creates long term vulnerabilities” he stated.
Speaking further on how to mitigate floods, he advised the government to provide efficient early warning signals and awareness.
He reiterated that physical planning and development control remain the first requirements for avoiding floods and urged authorities to ensure proper planning.
