Bukola Afeni
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, FICEN, FIIA, and the Honourable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq have called on Government, at all levels to heighten the level of preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimize the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season.
The Ministers noted that there should be sensitization of the general public by the States on the need for people living along the river banks to relocate to higher grounds during this peak period of rainfall.
The Ministers made this plea during a joint press briefing in Abuja.
According to the Ministers, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has noted an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system.
“It is registering a flow level of 8.97 meters currently, this is compared to a flow level of 8.80 meters on the same in 2022.
Meanwhile, the flow level on the River Niger system remains stable, with the level of the River Niger at Niamey, Niger Republic, standing at a normal level of 4.30 meters.
“Reports from inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro also indicated a consistent flow regime.
“Despite the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters”, the Ministers added.
The Ministers added that the flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters today, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022. “
” Recognizing Nigeria’s downstream position among the nine-member countries of the Niger River Basin, it is important to acknowledge the period of heavy rainfall, flooding, and flood-related disasters that typically occur during July, August, September, and October. Dam water releases are integral to safeguarding dam integrity and mitigating flooding in adjacent communities. “
“NIHSA has however maintained a professional and organizational relationship with Cameroon’s National Hydrological Services to exchange information on water releases,”
Pleading with States and Local Governments the Ministers stated that the government should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages and also construct new ones where they do not exist while also demolishing illegal structures constructed within the floodplains.
They also implored the general public especially road users to desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood.
” There is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue”, the Ministers stated.
