NAN-AE-11
Flooding
By Douglas Okoro
Abakaliki, May 11, 2017 (NAN) The Ebonyi Government has commenced clearing of drains in Abakaliki, the state capital, to avert flooding during the rainy season.
The Commissioner for Environment, Chief Moses Nomeh, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abakaliki that the action was a proactive strategy initiated to protect the environment.
According to him, the exercise is aimed at protecting the environment and safeguarding the state capital from flooding.
Nomeh assured the people of the state that the state government would do everything within its power to forestall a recurrence of the 2012 flood disaster in the state.
He said that the ongoing evacuation of refuse from blocked water channels was to ensure free flow of water as the rainy season set in.
The commissioner said that the clearance of the water channels would complement the expansion and dredging of Azuiyiokwu and Iyingene rivers, which were responsible for the perennial flooding in Abakaliki.
He, however, appealed to the residents of the state to always put their garbage in waste bags before disposing it, adding that they should also avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse in water channels, drains and other unauthorised places.
“The 2017 rainy season is gradually setting in and we don’t want to be caught unawares by the perennial flooding, usually experienced in Abakaliki.
“In furtherance of the government’s commitment in ensuring flood-free rainy season in the capital city, we have begun a process of drainage clearing in order to clean up the water channels for free flow of water during rainfalls.
“We are equally appealing to residents to make use of refuse bins stationed at designated dumpsites and jettison avoid the habit of dumping refuse in water channels, drains and other unauthorised places,’’ he said.
Nomeh warned that government would invoke the extant environmental laws of the state to prosecute anybody caught for illegal disposal of solid waste and blockage of drainage systems.
“We are committed to protecting and safeguarding our environment from degradation and as such, we will not hesitate to invoke the necessary extant laws to punish those found degrading the environment,’’ he said.
He said that the government was determined to ensure that Ebonyi ranked among the cleanest states in the country. (NAN)
ODO/MNA/OOK
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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu and Dayo Komolafe