Zulum Moves to Avert Flood Disasters in Borno

The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has directed the immediate activation of all relevant government resources and machinery ahead of any possible flooding due to the unprecedented high volume of rainfall this year and to avert any disastrous flooding in, its environs and other parts of the State.

The governor’s directive was contained in a statement released over the weekend by his special assistant on new media, Abdurrahman Bundi.

The directive is said to have become imperative due to growing concerns over the possible overflow of the Alau dam, which recharges Maiduguri city’s sewage treatment plants for domestic and irrigation use.

According to the statement, the governor noted with concern that the high volume of rainfall in some parts of the state could potentially cause flooding.

It has accordingly instructed all relevant government agencies and local councils to scrupulously discharge their responsibilities by constantly assessing vulnerable areas, implementing preventive measures and conducting public awareness campaigns in all communities across their domains.

Zulum further urged the public to be aware of the possible risks, be vigilant and comply with all directives from government agencies and constituted authorities on all emergency response protocols.

It directed that all local government councils should mobilize all relevant officials and units to conduct on-site assessments in at-risk neighborhoods and collaborate with civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), religious and community leaders and other relevant opinion leaders and institutions.

He said the government has identified high-risk locations prone to flooding and is implementing solutions such as building temporary barriers and establishing emergency evacuation routes.

Zulum said: “We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this looming challenge,” Zulum was quoted as saying.

“It is essential that we mobilize all our resources, engage all stakeholders in the communities and implement effective measures to safeguard our people.

“We have a standing committee to mitigate floods; which, in the past, has evacuated and led to the construction of more drainage in different parts of the state. I have ordered more measures to avert any emergency health epidemic. We have also established the Great Green Wall Agency.

“We have also reclaimed, dredged and built concrete retaining walls around the Ngada River to prevent erosion that could lead to the flooding of Maiduguri and its surroundings.

“As part of the long-term measures, we intend to build structures to collect water for irrigation and undertake soil conservation, including reinforcing the river banks and de-silting the Ngada River to allow free passage of water.”

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, is coordinating the flood response to ensure that the governor’s directives are fully implemented and ensure the safety of all residents.

The SSG visited Alau Dam, Gongulong, Gwange, Farm Center, 505 Housing Estate and several other locations in and around the metropolis to assess the situation and provide necessary guidance to avoid major damage due to possible flooding.

Many Nigerian states, including the northeast, have suffered flood disasters this year, attributed to the unprecedented volume of rainfall this season

The post Zulum moves to avert floods in Borno appeared first on TheConclaveNg.