The Kogi State Government has once again called on those living in flood plain areas of the State to heed the warning signal that the rains this year may be far higher than that of last year and relocate.
Yomi Awoniyi, State Deputy Governor and Chairman State Emergency Management Agency, made the appeal while answering questions on whether government intends evacuating those living in flood plain areas following NIMET forecast.
Though the State Government Awoniyi noted is been proactive in ensuring that the state does not record huge losses like last that of last year, those living in flood plain areas of the state he disclosed are doing so illegally and as a matter of choice.
The Deputy Governor noted that while the State Government will continue to sensitize people on the dangers of living in flood plain areas, the onus to relocate however lies with those who build in such places.
The State Government Awoniyi explained never allocated flood plain areas to those presently living in those places neither were they giving building approvals by the state Government.
Government, Awoniyi explained is already opening up new areas in the state for relocation,added that it can only assist those wishing to relocate to higher grounds with such plots if they so apply.
Flood plain areas in the State the Deputy Governor disclosed have been earmarked for tourism and as buffer zones, cautioned on the inherent dangers of refusing to evacuate by those living there.
The enormity to relocate and evacuate everyone living in flood plain areas of the State Awoniyi says requires enormous financial resources that the State Government alone cannot bear,said the state Government at no time allocated the flooded areas to its citizens.
As a responsible government, several committees to monitor NIMET forecast and sensitize the people on the expected rains, Awoniyi maintained has been put in place.
He however charged the people to see reason and obey environmental and building instructions to avert losses that may be caused by flooding.
