The recent flooding and water related damages experienced in parts of Okene, its environs, and other communities serves as a serious reminder of the need for collective action to reduce flood risks.
Flooding is rarely caused by a single factor. A combination of indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocked or inadequate drainage channels, obstruction of natural waterways, construction on flood-prone areas, and intense or prolonged rainfall can all contribute to the severity of flooding.
Residents are therefore encouraged to play their part by refraining from dumping refuse in drainage channels, canals, waterways, and culverts, and by avoiding activities that obstruct natural watercourses. Communities should also support efforts to keep drainage channels and waterways clear.
At the same time, flood prevention and management is a shared responsibility. Residents should be assured, that the Government is fully aware of the situation and is actively taking appropriate steps to address flood related challenges and to protect lives, property, and communities.
These efforts require sustained cooperation among government agencies, local authorities, community leaders, residents, and other stakeholders.
We must also understand that waterways are not refuse dumps. What we throw into a drainage channel today may become the cause of flooding in our community tomorrow.
Let us work together to keep our communities clean, protect our waterways, and support the measures being taken by Government to reduce flood risks.
Flood prevention is a shared responsibility. Government is doing its part, let us all do ours.
Together, we can build safer, cleaner, and more resilient communities.
– Yahaya Abdullahi Abbass, PhD
SPC, Kogi NEWMAP-EIB
