Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to mitigating the impact of potential flooding across the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Umuahia, Governor Otti, represented by Commissioner for Environment Philemon Ogbonna, outlined comprehensive measures being implemented to address the looming threat.
These measures include the construction and rehabilitation of roads, the development of drainage systems, the clearing of blocked gutters, and erosion control initiatives.
Emphasising the importance of proactive communication, Otti highlighted the dissemination of early warning messages to communities as a critical component in reducing the devastating effects of flood incidents.
The Abia state governor urged participants at the meeting to relay the information and knowledge acquired to citizens at the grassroots level, noting that such community engagement is vital in building resilience against potential flood disasters.
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, represented by Director Walter Brandon, commended the state’s efforts and shared that NEMA has developed disaster mitigation strategies, including capacity building for local emergency responders and the promotion of rainwater harvesting techniques.
In his welcome address, SEMA Executive Secretary Sunny Jackson stated that the meeting aimed to prepare actionable plans to reduce the anticipated impacts of flooding, as predicted by relevant federal agencies.
These concerted efforts underscore the Abia state’s proactive approach to disaster risk management, aiming to safeguard lives and property in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
