In response to ongoing rainfall in the state, the Kwara State Government has advised residents living near riverbanks to move to higher ground.
This recommendation was made in a statement released on Sunday by the state Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, in order to prepare for potential flooding.
Kwara State has been facing continuous rainfall from Wednesday to Sunday, resulting in reports of flooding affecting areas around the Asa River, notably in Unity Road, Taiwo Isale, and Isale Koko, located in Ilorin South and Ilorin East.
Buge reassured residents by stating, “The government has called for calm among residents of the state regarding the trends currently being experienced in the volume, duration, and pattern of rainfall, which has led to massive flooding in some parts of the state, adding that it is a temporary situation that will pass with time.”
She characterized the flooding as part of a global phenomenon caused by climate change, influenced by both natural events and human activities. “It will be observed that our rainy and dry seasons no longer fall in the normal transition months, as human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans, and land, consequent upon which weather extremes are being witnessed across the globe, including our immediate communities and other states within the country,” she explained.
In a press statement signed by Kamaldeen Aliagan, the Press Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, it was noted that the current administration under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is particularly concerned about the potential flood risks and is taking proactive steps to ensure public safety.
The government is engaged in continuous dredging of the Asa River, constructing embankments, desilting drainage systems throughout the state, providing more waste bins, expanding the waste dump site for proper disposal, promoting waste recycling, implementing irrigation systems for farmers, and maintaining regular advocacy on environmental issues through the media and collaborations with relevant stakeholders.
Expressing sympathy for the families affected, Buge stated, “Our hearts go out to families that are worst hit by this natural phenomenon, who have either lost property or their loved ones.
However, in order to avert loss of lives and property, we urge residents to quickly take the following safety steps: relocate to higher ground, avoid travelling when it is raining, and follow evacuation instructions by the Ministry of Environment and the State Emergency Management Agencies, which will be moving around to provide support to the affected communities.”
She further encouraged residents to seek the proper approvals from relevant government agencies before constructing any buildings and to avoid placing structures too close to waterways.
There was also a call to heed flood warnings by refraining from dumping waste in watercourses, clearing surrounding drains, ceasing open burning, planting trees, and promptly informing the Ministry of Environment of any local issues. “The government is doing all that is possible within state resources to encourage sustainable living and provide relief for Kwarans,” Buge remarked.
Additionally, she urged individuals, NGOs, and civil society organizations to support government efforts in adapting to climate change and raising awareness, emphasizing the need for resilience to protect the environment.
Buge concluded by stating the importance of community ownership of the environment and encouraging others to follow suit, noting that “Members of the public are reminded that as our activities destroy the environment, our society keeps degrading, and this in turn comes back to haunt us all. It is therefore our collective responsibility to improve the quality of our environment to make it a better place for all and sundry,” she advised.
