Flood alert: Kaduna govt, ZL Global Alliance take emergency preventive measure
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(Combine team of KEPA and ZL Global Alliance at Kigo on Tuesday)
Following the warning by Nigerian Meteorological Services (NIMET) that Kaduna State may experience disastrous flood this year, Kaduna State government in collaboration with key solid waste management company in the State, ZL Global Alliance – Nigeria on Tuesday embark on emergency evacuation of refuse from strategic places prone to flood.
The areas include Kigo road, Bachama in Malali and Rafin Gusa in Tudun Wada all within Kaduna metropolis.
Fielding questions from newsmen at Kigo road, Kaduna, Kaduna North Local Government area of the State, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ZL Global Alliance, Dr. Abiola Bashorun hinted that, the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai had earlier in the day called for emergency meeting of key stakeholders to see how flood could be prevented in the state, hence the immediate action by her company.
“We are here trying to evacuate refuse under a project called operation flush. We were already doing some works outside our calling.
“What we have realised here is that, the people in this area have continue to dump refuse in the canals. We are trying to evacuate the refuse as directed by the governor in addition to what we have been doing since 2016.
“For some of us that have been following environmental issues across the country, Katsina and Ogun States have been hit by flood. And we should know that, Kaduna is close Katsina and that was why the governor called for the emergency meeting to see how we can be proactive to prevent that from happening in Kaduna.
“Like I always say, Kaduna is lucky to have a governor who has the love of his people at heart, who is always ahead to prevent what could have be a disaster for his people. We desilted River Kaduna in 2016 and that helped us to prevent flood in 2017.
“If you can remember, before the 2016 evacuation, this area is known for flooding and we are doing this to protect lives and property here.
“But as much as government is trying its best in this regard, people should learn to manage their waste from their homes. We have to keep educating them. By tomorrow, our town crier will be here to continue with the education.
“We started with market area because NIMET has given us sign that Kaduna may experience flooding this year and we don’t have to wait until that happen before we take action. Our people just have to work with us”, she urged.
Also lending his voice, Manager, Kaduna Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA), Dr Yusuf Rigasa said, the citizens should be happy even though his agency was not happy with the way they are dumping refuse indiscriminately on water ways.
“Today we are here to respond to emergency because this place is likely to experience flood this year. All of us must copy from other cities of the word where this has worked. People should do the right thing to help themselves.
“The measure now is that, we want the citizens to work together with us because this is a collective responsibility. We need to realise the state government is working for them and we are part and parcel of that government”, KEPA boss added.
On the recent desilt and disinfection of drains by ZL Global Alliance Yusuf said, “effort by the company to resilt and disinfect major drains is a commendable one.
“But the community must come and join us. When you see your neighbour throwing something into the drains, check them because enforcement is not just about been arrested by the police, but we can do it on our own as individuals.”