Flood: NEMA sensitises stakeholders on disaster prevention

the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday organised a one-day sensitisation programme for environmental

• By Olaide Ayinde
• The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday organised a one-day sensitisation programme for environmental stakeholders on flood prevention and waste management in Bauchi State.
• The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was held in Bauchi with NEMA Head of Operations in Gombe Office, Mrs Ummunah Ahmed, addressing the stakeholders.
• Ahmed said the sensitisation became necessary following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s prediction of flooding in some states and local government areas across the country.
• According to her, two local government areas in Bauchi State, Itas Gadau and Toro, were listed among high-risk areas.
• She, however, mentioned Bauchi, Jama’are, Ganjuwa, Shira, Zaki, Warji and Katagum as seven other local government areas listed as moderate-risk areas.
• Ahmed said the programme was to reiterate the importance of proper waste management practices and the adverse effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and public health.
• She said the gathering would also promote proactive measures for flood preparedness and resilience in communities while encouraging behavioural change toward sustainable waste management practices and flood mitigation strategies.
• “Improper waste disposal has severe and far-reaching consequences on our environment, health and climate, hence the reason experts on environmental issues have been invited to do justice to the given topic.
• “As you are aware, flood is always associated with improper waste management, so we are enlightening you, creating awareness among you so as to avoid flooding.
• “If you look at our drainages and waterways, you will find out that they are all filled up with waste, so if we can clean and clear up our drainages, and dispose of our wastes properly, this is a good measure in avoiding flooding.
• “I, therefore, urge you all to listen to expert presentations and advice, extending the same message to the grassroots,” she said.
• She also urged those living in flood-prone areas to move to safer grounds, adding that in the occasion of flooding, people living in sloppy areas would be affected first.
• While appreciating NEMA for the programme, Mr Haruna Suleiman, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Bauchi State Ministry of Health, added that dangers associated with improper waste disposal could not be overemphasised.
• “We, in the Ministry of Health and Primary Healthcare, already have a structure, which is the Risk Communication and Community Engagement, where communities are engaged and sensitised on the importance of proper waste management and the effects of improper waste management to our health.
• “We have so many structures in the communities that will help us in communicating this message in order to consider proper waste management as a vital tool in the prevention and control of diseases and flooding.
• “I would like to advise other stakeholders to have structures at the community levels because community engagement is very critical in whatever you want people to do.
• “Without a structure in the community where the community members are part of the implementing body, then there will be problems.
• “But you can easily achieve whatever you want to achieve if the community members are participating in your activities,” he said.
• NAN reports that members of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency, Bauchi State Environmental Management Agency, National Orientation Agency and Ministry of Health and Environment were present at the event.
• Others include traditional and religious leaders, members of the State and Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police among others. (NAN)