By Mariam Adams
The Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, in collaboration with the Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board, is committed to ensuring the smooth flow of floodwater in anticipation of the upcoming rainy season.
As part of this effort, a massive clean-up of drainage systems in the state capital is currently underway.
During a recent inspection and monitoring exercise at Murtala Muhammad Road in Lokoja, the State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, emphasized the importance of ongoing drain clearing to prevent flooding in the upcoming 2024 rainy season.
This initiative, he said, is in line with the Ododo’s administration dedication to promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life in Kogi State.
“The Ministry has already begun desilting drainage channels to facilitate efficient flood management and ensure the unobstructed flow of water. Under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Kogi Government is unwavering in its commitment to creating a clean, sustainable, and livable environment for its residents.
“The current clean-up operation includes the removal of refuse, vegetation control, relocation of roadside traders, and the evacuation of drain silt to improve water flow. Major waterways in various parts of the city have already been cleared, including drains from Kpata to the International Market, Paparanda Square to Kpata Market, the former People’s Shopping Centre to the Post Office, Kogi Hotels to Graphics Newspaper, Kogi Hotels Roundabout to Government House to Stella Obasanjo Library, and currently, the Specialist Hospital to Ganaja Flyover,” he emphasised
The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for Environmental abuse.
He, however, urged residence to desist from indiscriminate refuse dumping, drainage blockage, construction on waterways and drainage alignments.
“I would like to appeal to all residents to take good care of this drainages as the government is cleaning them. Kindly take ownership and desist from encroaching on canals and drains right of way”, He said
Also Speaking, the GM Sanitation and Waste Management Board, Mr Femi Ajayi said the essence of the cleaning and caring exercise is to ensure water flows through the channels unhindered all year round while emphasizing the need for promotion of Environmental sustainability
The General Manager express great appreciation to the state government for its proactiveness towards Environmental matters stressing on the need to engage monitoring team to ensure total compliance with sanitation regulations to justify the effort of the government.