Juliet Jacob Ochenje
Following the opening of the Lagdo dam by the Cameroonian authorities, the Federal Government has constituted a high level committee led by the Minister of Hummanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, to proffer solutions to flooding and its consequences in Nigeria.
The Minister made this known during a press conference held by the committee members immediately after the maiden edition of the stakeholder’s meeting on the Lagdo dam, in Abuja.
Dr Edu said: “The Federal government is interested in the prevention, mitigation and proffering solutions to flooding and its consequences.”
According to Edu, some of the measures taken to avert flooding is for state governors and communities to ensure that drainages are cleaned and obstructions to water ways quickly removed across the country.
“Other measures include sensitisation to begin from the Federal, States, Local Government Areas and Communities.
“Everyone is part of the engagement and sensitisation efforts of the federal government.
“Persons in the affected areas of the flood are enjoined to move to high lands for safety and state governors are to stand up to their responsibilities on the evacuation of persons in such areas to protect lives and properties,” she said.
According to Dr Edu, the Federal government will be working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, States and Local governments to ensure that humanitarian services are provided, as well as foods and non-food items, health and livelihood for recovery, reintegration and resettlement for the affected persons.
