Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum is to review environmental and sanitation laws to prevent perennial flooding and incessant dumping of refuge by residents. The review was also to adhere to strict compliance to the contiguous ‘development plans’ of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere. Zulum disclosed this at the weekend in Maiduguri, shortly after supervising drainage evacuation exercises to mitigate perennial flooding in the metropolis and Jere council areas.
He said the laws to be reviewed are on forestry and sanitation to ensure strict compliance to environmental laws against flooding and other environmental hazards. Governor Zulum expressed displeasure over the lackadaisical behaviours of some people building shops and business outfits on drainages. This, according to him, blocks the free passage of water into streams and rivers of the Maiduguri metropolis.
“As you can see here, we have identified some persons who built on waterways,” he lamented, noting that it has led to the perennial flooding of Maiduguri and Jere. Continuing, he added: “All of us have seen what happened last year in the metropolis. The state capital has been experiencing serious flooding, and that is the reason the government has intended this year to holistically look into the issue of flooding in the metropolis,” warning that the major challenge is the built up of silt into the channels. He said that after de-silting the channels, a Master Plan of Maiduguri metropolis will be produced by the state government.
“There is the need to embark on public orientation on television, radio and other means of communitication.” He therefore urged the people to cooperate with the Ministry of Environment and the flood control committee to ensure the success of the evacuation exercise. The Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Environment, Kaka Shehu Lawan said over 100 kilometres of drainages have been de-silted in the metropolis, Jere and Mafa Local Government Areas. He noted that the post office area has been one of the flash points where flooding is experienced every year.
