Amid disastrous flooding, state gov’t spends over ₦555m on meals, hospitality
Despite the fact that about forty-nine persons have been reported dead from flooding in Kano state, the state government has shown less concern for financial commitment to tackling flooding in the state.
According to a detail published budget performance report by the government, attention to flood management has fallen short.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed the tragic figures, revealing that between January and September 2024, the flooding and accompanying windstorms have impacted 226 communities across twenty-seven local government areas.
The affected areas include Tudun Wada, Gwale, Wudil, Danbatta, Ajingi, Dala, Gwarzo, Madobi, Bichi, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Tarauni, Minjibir, Bebeji, Rogo, Shanono, Kabo, Garin Malam, Ungogo, Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Kura, Dawakin Tofa, Gezawa, Rogo, and Bagwai.
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The flooding has caused significant destruction, with reports indicating that around 6,583 homes have been damaged and approximately 38,814 individuals affected by the disaster.
Despite budgeting N220 million to tackle erosion and flooding in 2024, zero naira was spent on the same in the first six months of 2024.
Kano has a history of spending poorly on erosion and flooding control. In the 2023 fiscal year, the state budgeted the sum of N277 million for flooding and erosion control, however, zero naira was spent for this purpose in the fiscal year.
Zero naira on Flooding, N129 million on Honorarium, Sitting Allowance
Further review shows that while the state pays less attention to flooding and erosion control, it spent N129 million on honorarium and sitting allowances in the first six months of 2024.
Refreshments and meals stood at N33 million, hospitality took N555 million.
This development comes at a time when there are concerns about further flooding expected in the country.
This development is coming with millions received monthly by the state as ecological funds.
There have been concerns over the accountability of states in the management of ecological funds meant to tackle ecological challenges such as flooding and erosion.
The devastating effect of the Alu dam that led to flooding which claimed several lives and destroyed property valued at billions of Naira in Maiduguri, Borno state is still fresh in our memory.
Proofreading by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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