From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
As the raining season is fast approaching, the Kogi State Government under the leadership of Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, has embarked on desiltation and clearing of drainages to minimise flood disaster across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Oluwasegun Joseph, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen after monitoring drainage desiltation recently at Lokongoma Market, Phase 1, Lokoja.
The commissioner said the ongoing drainage desiltation and waste evacuation were part of the commitments of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, to priotise the interest of the masses as well as the health and wellbeing of Kogi citizens.
He emphasised that the governor had made it mandatory for the Ministry of Environment in particular, to go round and make everywhere clean which would ensure a healthy environment.
“In order to do that, desilting of drainages is key to good sanitation, healthy living, and ensuring free flow of water in Lokoja metropolis.
“The raining season is fasting approaching and we have to be proactive by desilting the drainages to reduce the devastation that may occur if there was flood.
“As you can see, about 80 to 90 per cent of the drainages had already been blocked by refuse which could cause unnecessary flooding,” he said
The commissioner promised that desilting of drainages would be extended to major towns and cities across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He, however warned the residents against Indiscriminate waste disposal and dumping of refuse on waterways so as to allow free flow of water as raining season approaches.
“We have on several occasions advised the citizens and we will continue to reiterate it, that dumping of refuse on waterways is prohibited.
“My advice to the residents is to be law abiding, keep their environment clean and stop the habit of dumping refuse in drainages,” Joseph said.
The commissioner disclosed that laws would be enacted to guide against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the state, warning that the law would be fully enforced against offender.
He noted that aside desilting drainages and maintaining clean environment, Gov. Ahmed Ododo, has also mandated the ministry to embark on environment beatification.
He added: “In the next one year, under the leadership of Alh Ahmed Ododo, we should expect a cleaner environment in Lokoja metropolis and in other parts of the state which would be attractive to all”.
Some Lokongoma residents; Mrs Falilat Omeiza, and Mr Richard Adebayo, who spoke to our corrpespondent, commended the commissioner for being proactive in clearing drainages to avoid flooding.
“We appreciate the governor for the choice of Hon Oluwasegun Joseph as the Environment Commissioner, and for putting a round peg in a round hole,” Adebayo said.
Also speaking, a market woman, Mrs Ronke Adams, said: “We are grateful to our Hon. Commissioner for clearing drainages in our markets. May God bless him and the governor”.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Jibrin Sheidu, as well as other Management and staff of the ministry.
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