From Abdulwahab Muhammad, Bauchi
Gov. Mahammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has flagged off the desilting of major stormy drains in the Gombe metropolis to avert flooding.
The move is also to ensure the protection of lives and infrastructure and curb the outbreak of diseases in the communities.
At the flag-off of the clearing exercise, on Wednesday at Unguwa Uku community, Gov. Yahaya described the initiative as crucial to protecting and safeguarding the lives and property.
“Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state have in the past, experienced flooding.
“This has led to devastating losses of lives and property.
“Today, we officially begin clearing major water channels to ensure free flow of water and safeguard the environment.
“This measure will also prevent the outbreak of diseases within our communities,” Yahaya said.
According to him, the main cause of flooding, especially within the Gombe metropolis, is the indiscriminate disposal of waste in major storm drains.
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“This practice must stop to conserve the environment for the wellbeing of the people.”
He noted that despite the efforts of relevant government agencies, the state continues to face significant environmental challenges.
“Hence it has become a policy of the present administration to clear all water channels at the beginning of every rainy season,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Yahaya has laid the foundation for constructing waste collection centres across the metropolis. This is to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
During the exercise, he said the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) would evacuate household wastes daily from these centres.
He appealed to residents to desist from dumping solid municipal waste in the storm drainage system.
“Citizens must learn from the flood disasters witnessed in other parts of the country and take proactive steps to avoid similar occurrences here in Gombe.
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