The Federal government takes steps to avert annual erosion and flooding problems in the FCT, particularly in the Trademore Estate, Lugbe.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari made this disclosure in a Stakeholders meeting on the Annual Flooding at Lugbe Trademore Estate and Environs held in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director Special Duties, Mrs, Adelopo Oluwatoyin, reiterated the importance of the meeting considering the incessant flooding along River Pyakasa during annual rainy season and its devastating impact on Trademore Estate and its Envrions.
Kambari stressed that, “The annual flood event along this river has been occurring since 2019, which has cost the nation huge loss of lives and property of citizens. the event is attributed to among other things, the following climate change through unusual downpour, urbanisation through population and infrastructural growth, under sized hydraulic structures, and siltation of hydraulic structures and the Pyakasa River. ”
Kambari lamented the market that is “flooded in Goza community and farmlands that you rotate at Kuje community considering the possibility of having more flooding scenario in the future in different parts of FCT due to rate of population growth in FCT, and its impact on FCT water waves, the ministry deem it fit to gather all relevant stakeholders together in this meeting in order to exchange ideas that will make FCT safe from flooding, and encourages sustainable development.”
He asserted of the government’s commitment to safety of lives and properties in the estate and Nigeria at large.
“I remind you of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda towards ensuring a sustainable quality environment devoid by annual havoc occasion by flood, the administration recognises the need to urgently provide steps to a transport problem and its attendance hardship in the FCT. It is this commitment that necessitated the organisation of the stakeholders meeting.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department of the Ministry, Mr Dilichukwu Etigbue said the flooding in Trademore Estate has caused huge economic loss to the FCT and the nation.
“The workshop with the stakeholders is at the instance of his department to take proactive steps to avert the recurrence through proper handling of waste and adhering to FG directives and advise on flood warning signals and flood management to help address some of the challenges.
Etigbue said flooding along Pyakasa River has become an annual event with Trademore Estate been its major flash point.
Speaking further he said, “as you all are aware, the Department of Erosion, flood and Coastal Zone Management had it’s statutory responsibility of formulating environmental policies, measures that are relevant to solve erosion and flood control management throughout the country and this meeting is to enable us have a robust deliberation on ways to avert this annual disaster.”
