Flood: Gov. Sani Bello calls for demolition of structures on waterways (Photos)
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has called for the demolition of all structures built on waterways in order to prevent future occurrences of floods.
The governor made the call when he paid a sympathy visit to the people affected by the flood disaster in Kontagora local government area and donated 100 fabrics, and 500 bags of grains comprising rice, maize and millet as relief materials.
This was disclosed by Mary Noel-Berje, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State in a statement signed and made available to Neptune Prime.
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Presenting the items to the Emir of Kontagora at his palace for onward distribution to the victims, Governor Sani Bello said the gesture was to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
The governor consoled the Emir and those that lost their family members as well as properties to the disaster.
He directed the Ministry of Environment to collaborate with relevant ministries and Kontagora local government council to demolish all structures built on waterways as a way of averting future occurrences.
According to him, “on the technical side, we have to find a way to expand the river, to desilt it so that there will be free flow of water when it rains.
“A lot of them were actually paid compensation to leave and they refused. So we are just going to go ahead and bring down the houses along the waterlines”, he said.
The governor enjoined the people to be conscious of their environment as it continues to rain.
Commissioner for Environment, Daniel Habila Galadima, said that the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources and Works as well as Kontagora Emirate and local government council will partner to ensure that the directive of the governor is accomplished.
He assured that the required design for a lasting solution to the flooding will be ready by the end of September 2022 and a high level of sensitisation will be made to avoid building on waterways.
“By the time we solve the problem, there will be the need to create awareness so that the people will stop building along waterways and ensure that water bodies/ holdings/shades are protected”, he stated.
The Emir of Kontagora, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II commended the governor for his visit and the palliative provided for the flood victims assuring him of judicious distribution of the items.
The Chairman of Kontagora LGA, Alhaji Shehu Pawa, confirmed that 237 people were affected by the flood and two deaths were recorded.
Governor Sani Bello on arrival had visited Hayin Hakimi one of the six communities destroyed by the flood disaster for an on-the-spot assessment.
Among those in the entourage of the governor were the APC gubernatorial candidate, Umar Mohammed Bago, member representing Kontagora in the National Assembly, Abdullahi Idris Garba, member representing Kontagora I in the state house of assembly, Falalu Bako, members of the state executive council, and some APC stalwarts in the state.
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