…….opens 21 waste collection centres, warns against indiscriminate disposal of refuse
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has on Wednesday commenced desilting of major drainages in the state.
Yahaya who warned against indiscriminate disposal of refuse said it would save the state from impending flooding.
The governor who was at Anguwa uku, lamented the challenges faced sequel to flooding, urging residents to play their parts towards ensuring its mitigated.
He said, “It is with great sense of responsibility and dedication to the wellbeing of our people that we gather here today to officially flag off the de-silting of major drainages in Gombe State. As we enter the rainy season, this initiative is crucial to prevent flooding, thereby protecting and safeguarding the lives and property of our citizens.
“As you are aware, Gombe metropolis (and other parts of the state) have in the past experienced instances of flooding, leading to devastating losses of lives and property. The purpose of today’s event is to officially declare the commencement of clearing major water channels to so as ensure the free flow of rainfall. This initiative is critical to averting flooding and ensuring the protection of human lives, property, and infrastructure. Additionally, it will prevent the outbreak of diseases among our communities.
“The main cause of flooding, especially within the state metropolis, is the inordinate disposal of waste in our major storm drains. Despite our consistent efforts through the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to enlighten and sensitize communities on the dangers of improper waste disposal, we continue to face significant challenges. It has therefore become a policy of this administration to clear all water channels at the beginning of every rainy season.”
While enumerating the efforts of his administration in combating climate challenges said, “Since 2019, our administration has been steadfast in its commitment to preventing erosion, deforestation, and desertification. Through extensive tree planting initiatives and the fixing of gully erosion sites across the state, we have worked diligently to safeguard the livelihoods of our people. Our collaborative efforts with partners like the defunct NEWMAP and ACRESAL have allowed us to make significant progress in environmental conservation and sustainability.”
Yahaya added, “In this year alone, we have made significant strides in our environmental conservation efforts, including erosion control projects, tree planting campaigns, as well as provision of financial support to boost climate resilience through the community revolving fund. These initiatives reflect our commitment to the broader vision of environmental conservation, thereby safeguarding the livelihoods and wellbeing of our people.
“Today, we continue on this commitment to environmental conservation with the de-silting exercise, complemented by the construction of 21 waste collection centres under the ACReSAL Project, in addition to those built by GOSEPA under the SURWASH project. In line with our environmental policy, GOSEPA will ensure the daily evacuation of household waste from these centers, thereby maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
“I would like to call on individuals and communities to desist from dumping solid municipal waste in the storm drainage system. We must learn from the flood disasters being witnessed in other parts of the country and take proactive steps to avoid similar occurrences here in Gombe,” he said.
