Flood alert: Bauchi warns against building on waterways

The Bauchi State Government is taking proactive measures to prepare for potential flooding, responding to an alert issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The state is urging its residents to strictly avoid building structures on waterways and to cease dumping refuse in drainage systems.

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Today, we are having a roundtable discussion with critical stakeholders to create awareness on how to protect ourselves from flooding. The key to protecting people from floods is awareness.

Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kawule, emphasized the importance of public awareness during a stakeholders' engagement meeting. He stated that religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives were invited to sensitize them on safeguarding lives and property ahead of the rainy season's peak. These stakeholders are expected to relay the message to their communities and collaborate with the government on preventative measures.

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The message is simple. We are asking people not to build on waterways and not to dump waste in drainage. These are some of the issues we discussed with stakeholders because they are essential to protecting lives and property.

According to the NIHSA National Flood Advisory Alert, Bauchi State has the highest number of flood-vulnerable locations in Nigeria. The advisory projects that 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets are at risk. The state government, under Governor Bala Mohammed's directive, has activated response measures, despite the alert arriving late, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

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We received the prediction and immediately responded by engaging stakeholders at different levels. Although the alert came late, we felt it was important to act quickly because even a few minutes can change the entire situation.