Flooding: Nasarawa desilts drainages, arrests 126 sanitation defaulters

Nasarawa State is intensifying environmental sanitation monitoring across the state as the peak of the rainy season approaches, aiming to prevent flooding. The government announced the arrest of 126 people during the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise for violating state sanitation laws.

Dr. Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, described the exercise as highly successful due to widespread public participation and a new enforcement strategy involving surprise roadblocks. She noted that many violators were apprehended and prosecuted, with commercial tricycle operators forming the majority of those arrested. Compliance was generally high, with most shops closed during the restricted hours.

“

Today’s exercise was very effective because many defaulters were apprehended and prosecuted. People came out in large numbers to participate in the sanitation exercise.

To combat flooding, the Nasarawa State Waste Management Agency and the Nasarawa State Environmental Protection Agency will deploy personnel for daily monitoring and waste evacuation. Public sensitization against indiscriminate refuse dumping in drainage channels is also a priority. Elayo emphasized that clearing drainages to ensure the free flow of water significantly reduces flooding, leading to a shift from monthly to daily surveillance for a cleaner environment.

Abubakar Mohammed, the Chief Prosecuting Officer, confirmed the arrests and highlighted the strengthened enforcement of drainage desilting, as mandated by Section 13 of the state's environmental law, which requires property owners to clear the drainages adjacent to their properties. He noted that 16 people were arrested the previous week for violating this directive, and residents are now actively clearing refuse to maintain a clean environment and facilitate water flow.

“

Once the drainages are cleared to allow the free flow of water, flooding is greatly reduced. That is why we are moving from monthly sanitation monitoring to daily surveillance to ensure a cleaner environment.