September 22, (THEWILL) – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reiterated that strengthening synergy between the agency and other stakeholders is critical to mitigate the effect of flood in Borno State.
The acting Zonal Coordinator, North East zonal office, Sirajo Garba, said this during a one-day sensitisation programme on flood management held in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
He explained that the zonal office has carried out vulnerability tests of flood-prone areas across the State and has been sensitising people living on waterways and river banks to relocate to safer locations.
Sirajo expressed concern that some communities in parts of the metropolis have converted drainage networks constructed by the State Government into waste disposal points, noting that it is one of the contributing factors to flooding.
“It is because of the season of rain and flooding that we deem it necessary to organise this workshop to bring the critical stakeholders together to change ideas and also provide a refresher on the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder if there is an incident.
“We understand that synergy with critical stakeholders plays a greater role in mitigating floods.
“We also deem it necessary to identify flood-prone areas or locations to educate the communities on the dangers of residing in these locations.
“We are working towards how to carry along the religious and community leaders, that it is not one man business.
“It is a task for everyone to ensure we safeguard our communities against floods because the Governments can’t do it alone,” Sirajo said.
About the Author
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via ladi4media@gmail.com.
Very high and kind regards!
