The Enugu State Government is enhancing approaches to address upcoming erosion and environmental challenges.
This comes as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA) warned that floods from low to moderate risk would strike areas of the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, revealed this event on Friday in Enugu during a meeting with stakeholders and members of the task force formed to assist the government in controlling and mitigating the impact of floods.
While addressing task force members selected from several professional agencies around the state, such as.
The SSG warned locals about building on waterways, disposing of trash in drains and purposefully blocking canals.
He mentioned that the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, was concerned about the forecasts and immediately ordered the formation of a task force to protect citizens’ lives and property. This would allow them to take immediate action to prevent environmental disasters and develop a long-term strategy for dealing with potential future disasters.
He said, “The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in its 2023 seasonal climate prediction predicted that the rainfall onset will be a lot more intensive this year, and in most parts of the country.
“Enugu State is among the states predicted to experience extended rainfall and will likely record 1300 millimeters to 2000 millimeters of rainfall this year.
“Also, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, in its annual flood outlook, listed Enugu State among the 224 local governments that fall within the moderate flood risk areas.
“Flood is one of the most devastating disasters in the world and a common frequent threat to life, property, economy and environment. Sequel to this comment, His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State has considered it very pertinent to establish a taskforce for drainage, clearing of debris, dredging of waterways, and identification of buildings constructed on waterways. And when we identify these buildings; to take necessary actions.
“This is expected to serve as an emergency preparedness measure for the 2023 flooding and beyond. As a result of this, we’ve been all invited to this maiden meeting to come up with the constituted force that will be authorized to commence work immediately in the state.
“A letter was written to us clearly caving out the risk prone areas within Enugu State. That’s why the specific local government chairmen whose areas are affected are seated here today. And we’re trying to find ways so that we don’t lose our citizens.”
cc: Daily Post Ng
