Nasarawa State has warned residents living in areas that are prone to flooding to move to higher ground to prevent potential loss of life during the rainy season.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, gave the advice on Saturday in Lafia, while speaking to reporters after overseeing the monthly clean up exercise.
Elayo emphasized the importance of residents heeding the advice due to predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which forecasts flooding, as well as past experiences where floods resulted in tragic loss of lives and property.
She noted that some states have already begun to experience flooding, making it urgent for those at risk to take action immediately.
“We are working with local government leaders and traditional rulers to help those affected by this move find safe places to go,” Elayo explained.
“They should gather their important belongings and leave their homes for now to ensure they stay safe when flooding occurs.”
The commissioner also called on residents to stop dumping trash in drainage systems and to avoid building structures in areas that could lead to flooding.
She promised to enhance efforts to educate the public about the significance of keeping waterways clear to prevent flooding.
“We are engaging traditional and religious leaders and community heads, and we’re running awareness programs in the media to inform the public about the risks of flooding and how to prevent it,” she said.
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Additionally, she assured that a recycling plant in the Akurba neighborhood of Lafia, would be made operational to help keep the streets clear of waste.
She expressed frustration with the amount of garbage being dumped in public areas and warned that those responsible could face consequences.
Elayo urged the community to participate more in the sanitation efforts, explaining that a clean environment is essential for preventing diseases and improving everyone’s health.
The commissioner restated her commitment to making Nasarawa State one of the cleanest states in the country.
In related news, Abubakar Mohammed, a senior official in the ministry, reported that 168 people were arrested for breaking sanitation laws during the cleanup efforts, as they continued with their businesses while the exercise was taking place.
Their actions, he said went against the state environmental sanitation laws.