Borno State governor Babagana Zulum, has directed the immediate activation of all relevant government resources and machinery ahead of any possible overflow of water due to the unprecedentedly high volume of rainfall this year to avert any flood disaster in Maiduguri, its environs and other parts of the state.
Zulum’s directive, released in a statement by his senior special assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi yesterday, said the action became imperative due to rising concerns about the possible overflow of the Alau Dam, which recharges Maiduguri city’s water treatment plants for domestic use and irrigation.
The governor noted with concern that the high volume of rain across parts of the state may possibly lead to flooding.
Zulum consequently instructed all relevant government agencies and local councils to dutifully discharge their responsibilities by continuously assessing vulnerable areas, implementing preventive measures, and conducting public awareness campaigns across all communities in their domains.
The governor also cautioned the public to be conscious about the possible risks, be vigilant and abide by all directives from government agencies and constituted authorities on all emergency response protocols.
He directed that all local government councils should mobilise all relevant officials and units to conduct site assessments in at-risk neighbourhoods and collaborate with relevant Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), community and religious leaders, and other opinion leaders and institutions.
He said that government has identified high-risk locations that are prone to flooding, and is implementing solutions such as constructing temporary barriers and establishing emergency evacuation routes.
“We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this impending challenge”, Zulum was quoted as saying.
“It is imperative that we should mobilise all our resources, engage all stakeholders across communities, and implement effective measures to safeguard our people.
“We have a standing committee to mitigate flooding; which, has in the past evacuated and led to the construction of more drainages in different parts of the state. I have instructed more measures to avert any emergency health epidemic. We have also established the Agency for the Great Green Wall.
“We have also desilted, dredged and constructed concrete retaining walls around River Ngada to avert erosion that could possibly lead to flooding of Maiduguri and its environs.
“As part of the long-term measure, we intend to construct structures to harvest water for irrigation and embark on soil conservation, including reinforcement at the river banks and desilting of river Ngada to allow free passage of water,” he said.
Meanwhile, the secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, is coordinating the flood emergency responses to ensure the governor’s directives are fully implemented to ensure the safety of all residents.
The SSG has visited Alau Dam, Gongulong, Gwange, Farm Center, 505 Housing Estate and several other locations within the metropolis and environs to assess the situation and provide the necessary guidance to avert colossal damage from any possible flooding.
Many Nigerian states, including in the North-east have experienced flood disasters this year, which have been attributed to the unprecedented volume of rainfall this season.
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