In a bid to avert the adverse effects of flooding, the Community Early Warning and Anticipatory Action Committee (CEWAAC) has began evacuation of refuse dump at Sarkin-noma, a suburb of Lokoja metropolis in Kogi State.
Addressing journalists in Lokoja, the Secretary of CEWAAC, Muhammed Gimba, while eulogizing Save the Children for sponsoring the evacuation of the refuse dump recounted that million of lives have been lost due to previous floods in the community.
Gimba asserted that during the previous floods, there was disease outbreak that led to the death of adults and Children in the community.
He disclosed that CEWAAC has continued to serve as an intermediary with members of the community on issues concerning floods, adding that, Save the Children intervention has yielded positive results in Sarkin-noma.
Gimba averred that “The essence of evacuating this refuse is to bring neatness in the community and reduce the danger of our Children and the entire People in Sarkin-noma. Also, we are paving way for the water channel so that the flood will not disturbed the people as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET).
“When there is refuse dump, it use to cause diseases to our Children, and visitors stop coming to our community due to lack of maintenance. In addition, this refuse dump usually blocked the water channel which will now make the flood affect the community leading to loss of lives and properties worth millions of naira.
“Sarkin-noma has been affected by flooding for several years due to the blockage of the drainage system with refuse”.
He appealed to members of the community to support the organization in ensuring neatness in the area, adding that, the State Government should emulate Save the Children efforts for a safe and healthy environment.
“People that we don’t know are doing a lot to help the Citizens of Kogi State. It is on this note we are calling on the Kogi State Government to support Save the Children towards having a better environment that is habitable for all,” he added.
A member of CEWAAC, Hasiya Ademu also commended Saved the Children for their good work in her community.
According to her “Save the Children sent us money to buy materials to evacuate this refuse in Sarkin-noma. This is a laudable initiative. The NGO has done well for our community. It is no longer news that flood has been affecting Sarkin-noma over the years.
“When there is flood, all this refuse will block the water channels and it will enter people’s house. Children will fall sick including adults. So, to prevent a reoccurrence, Save the Children has hold the bull by the horn to avert future disaster”.
