The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Gombe State to ensure compliance with effective and efficient waste management, especially during the rainy season, to mitigate the impact of flooding in their communities.
Mrs Ummunah Ahmad, the Head of Operations, NEMA , Gombe State office who led the campaign team to major streets, companies and Gombe main market in Gombe metropolis said awareness remained a viable tool in efforts to mitigate flooding.
Ahmad, while speaking at the Industrial layout in Nasarawo community on Thursday, said it was important for all stakeholders to work together in mitigating the impact of flooding in the state.
While engaging the leadership of rice and oil millers’ associations in the state, she stated that poor waste management had serious implications on the environment.
She tasked them on the need to play their roles in disaster mitigation by keeping their environment clean because of the amount of waste the companies generate within the different clusters at the layout.
“You are all stakeholders when it comes to the issue of flooding and how to mitigate its impact in our communities.
“I urge you to sensitise others to make them understand that disaster does not select persons, when it comes, it causes huge damage anywhere it happens, and that is why we are here.
“We want everyone to play their roles in ensuring that waste don’t find their way into drainages; so use the newly constructed waste collection centres that the state government provided in your communities.
“Do not build houses along waterways or flood prone areas, evacuate from flood prone areas immediately to safer ground, clear drainages and waterways, and adhere to early warning alerts, “ she said.
On his part, Mr Muhammad Khalid, the Special Assistant, Technical to the Executive Secretary of Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), Mr Auwalu Baba-Jada assured that the agency would continue to evacuate waste in time.
Khalid, therefore, appealed to residents to always clear their drainages to ensure free flowing of water.
Mr Shehu Abubakar, the secretary of Rice Millers’ Association, Gombe State chapter commended NEMA and other stakeholders for their efforts at driving the awareness to the grassroots, assuring that efforts would be made to keep their environment clean.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State had on Wednesday inaugurated the 2024 desilting of major storm drains in Gombe metropolis.
Yahaya said that the initiative was critical to averting flooding and ensuring the protection of human lives, property, and infrastructure.
According to the governor, the exercise will prevent the outbreak of diseases in their communities.
NAN also reports that during the sensitisation, flyers and posters were distributed by NEMA officials to members of the public.
