Godwin Isenyo
Following the devastating flood that affected Sabon-Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas on Monday, the Kaduna State Government has appealed to residents living in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately.
The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Usman Hayatu-Mazadu, addressing newsmen on Tuesday night, stated that the state government had taken measures to mitigate the impact of the flood, including desilting drainage systems and conducting sensitisation campaigns.
Mazadu noted that despite predictions and warnings, some residents refused to relocate, leading to the destruction of over 200 houses in Zaria and Sabon-Gari LGAs. He stressed that the cooperation of residents was crucial in ensuring their safety.
He further urged residents, particularly farmers, to take advantage of alternative land provided by the state government for farming and to relocate to urban centres.
He said, “I am here today to address the recent devastating flood that affected Sabon-Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas on Monday. Despite our efforts to mitigate the impact, the flood has caused significant damage, with over 200 houses destroyed.
“As you may recall, we received predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) three months ago, and we took proactive measures to prepare for the flood.
“Our assessment identified three key issues: inadequate drainage systems, the dumping of refuse, and structures erected within waterways. We presented our findings to the governor, who directed stakeholders to embark on a statewide desilting of old drainage systems.
“I am pleased to report that this exercise has been completed, which helped minimise the impact of the flood in other predicted areas. However, despite our efforts, some residents refused to evacuate, leading to the destruction of properties.”
Mazadu added, “We have already, for weeks, had interactions with some radio stations over 15 times, but why are we having these challenges? The problem is that we are yet to understand the essence and purpose of our lives.
“I keep saying, and I told the stakeholders, and I equally told the people within these flood-prone areas, that the issue of security and safety is not just about the governor; it’s not just because we have a governor who listens, we equally need to understand that we must safeguard our lives and property.
“Why must we risk our lives to the detriment of going to farm or living where you think it is your right? I think this is why we are here. Let’s communicate to our brothers and sisters about the negative effects and dangers of living in flood-prone areas.
“On behalf of the government of Mallam Uba Sani, we are pleading with the entire state, particularly people living within flood-prone areas, to evacuate to urban centres.”
He further warned that the rainy season would be longer than usual, increasing the risk of flooding across the state.
According to him, the state government has set up camps for those affected, providing food, non-food items, and security.
He also added that the government is working to ensure that residents understand the value of their lives and the importance of cooperating with the government to prevent further disasters in the state.
The SEMA boss emphasised that the government was committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens, but residents must also take responsibility for their lives and properties.
“I appeal to the citizens of Kaduna State to cooperate with the government in ensuring their safety. We must understand that the issue of security and safety is not just the responsibility of the government, but also that of individuals. Let us work together to prevent further disasters,” he added.
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