Kaduna residents, hold your breath! The Kaduna State Government is pulling out all the stops to prevent a repeat of last year’s devastating floods. Massive dredging and waterway expansion projects are underway in flood-prone areas, promising a safer rainy season. This is a proactive move to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure, including the Kaduna International Airport road. Find out how the state is tackling this environmental challenge head-on!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Kaduna is dredging and expanding waterways to prevent floods.
- The project targets vulnerable areas identified by early warnings.
- A mobile court will punish those dumping refuse in waterways.
- The initiative involves collaboration between multiple agencies.
- Local communities and businesses are already seeing the benefits.
Kaduna Goes All-In on Flood Prevention
Following early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted heavy rains, flash floods, and windstorms, the Kaduna State Government has sprung into action. They’re not taking any chances, folks!
Urgent Action in Vulnerable Areas
Alhaji Abubakar Buba, the Commissioner for Environment, personally inspected the ongoing dredging at Ifira, near the Kaduna International Airport road. He emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling vulnerable spots with urgent interventions.
“This entire place was blocked before, but we have now opened up about 800 metres of the river,” Buba stated. “It will ease water flow and forestall disasters like we saw last year.”
No More Messing Around: Mobile Courts in Action!
The Commissioner also issued a stern warning: don’t even think about turning drainage areas into dumping sites! A mobile court under the Kaduna Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA) is ready to pounce on offenders.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
This isn’t a solo effort. The dredging is being jointly supervised by a whole host of agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other key players. It’s a real all-hands-on-deck situation!
Beyond Ifira: State-Wide Flood Control
The effort isn’t limited to just one area. Flood-prone areas in Zaria, Kafanchan, and parts of the state capital are also targeted for similar interventions. The government is determined to protect the entire state from the ravages of flooding. The state government also invested in sophisticated early warning systems to make sure people can be informed quicker.
Locals and Businesses Applaud the Effort
The impact is already being felt on the ground.
Sanjay Sharma, Manager of Sun-Agro Soya Oil Refining Company, called it a “timely relief.” He explained, “Last year’s flooding was devastating. Many farmers lost their crops. This early intervention by the government is commendable.”
Malam Balarabe Abubakar, the Village Head of Ifira, described the dredging as a “lifeline for local farmers.” He said, “Our farmlands used to be washed away every year. This project will save our harvests.”
NEMA Praises Kaduna’s Proactive Stance
Ikramat Umar Mohd, Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer of NEMA, lauded the state’s proactive approach as exemplary. “This bridge is a critical asset. One of the best ways to manage disasters is to prevent them before they occur,” he noted.
Kaduna’s Commitment: A Flood-Free Future?
The Kaduna State Government is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for a flood-free season. With massive dredging, strict enforcement, and collaborative efforts, they’re giving it their best shot. Let’s hope these measures deliver the desired results!
About The Author
