The 2023 rainy season has already begun. So far, the signs are there that this year’s rains will be heavy.
Last year, Nigeria witnessed some of the most devastating flooding in her annals.
Media reports last week indicated that this year’s rainy season and other weather conditions are likely to cause major disruptions in the country which will in affect citizens’ health and infrastructure in key sectors.
A technical committee of experts reportedly set up by the Federal Government, has pointed that this is due to the severity of the weather and lack of preparedness by relevant agencies.
The committee warned that “roads, bridges and other key infrastructure as well as communities may be washed away, while disease epidemics may break out in many communities.” The situation may also affect both the agriculture and aviation sectors according to the said technical committee.
Here in Imo State, particularly in the capital city of Owerri, it is expected that the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma will take immediate steps to de-silt the stuffed up drainages. In 2022, like previous years, some residents of Owerri suffered heavily as flood submerged their farms and homes as well as destroying property and other valuables.
It has therefore become pertinent to draw the attention of the Imo State Government to the need to begin preparations in line with the Federal Government’s warning.
The government should consider de-silting drainages in the capital city now that the rains are barely setting in.
In view of last week’s Federal Government’s warning through it’s National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, regarding the possibility of heavy rains and flooding this year, it behoves the state government through its relevant agencies to begin now to prepare for the worst.
It is suggested here that particular places like Item Street, Mbari Street, Mbonu Ojike Street towards Imo State University Staff School, among others, are some of the areas that deserve urgent attention. Imo State Government equally needs to work on some internal roads in Owerri to mitigate the impact of flooding that could result mainly from torrential rain.
Citizens of the state should, especially, those living in floid-prone areas of communities should, as a matter of duty, help the government by avoiding dumping wastes into the drainages in their areas, or start now to de-silt those that are blocked.
Awareness campaign via radio and television jingles in addition to newspaper publications should immediately be embarked upon. The local governments and town unions should also be involved. The earlier it is said, the better!
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT