The Nasarawa State Government has embarked on a massive awareness campaign to educate flood-prone communities and the public on the importance of clearing waterways to prevent flooding ahead of the rainy season.
Briefing journalist immediately after monitoring the March sanitation exercise in Lafia, the state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr Isaac Danladi, said the campaign became necessary due to predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and past experiences where lives and property were lost to flooding.
“We have put machinery on the ground to ensure that drains and structures blocking waterways are cleared to allow free flow of water.
“We have engaged traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, and are sponsoring sensitisation programs in the mass media to enlighten the public on the dangers of flooding and steps to avert it.”
The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance during the March sanitation exercise and appealed for more cooperation from residents.
He encouraged residents to make cleaning their environments a daily habit, emphasising the importance of keeping environments clean to prevent disease outbreaks.
“If the environment is kept clean, it will guard against a possible outbreak of any disease, thereby ensuring improved healthy living of the people,” Danladi added.
Danladi promised that the ministry under his leadership would work towards making Nasarawa State one of the cleanest in the country, in line with his mandate.
He, therefore appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule for the opportunity to serve the state and commended traditional rulers, the media and other partners for their roles in ensuring a successful sanitation exercise.
