Kwara gov’t urges calm amid rising flood concerns

…advises riverine residents to relocate

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has called for calm in response to rising flood concerns across the state, urging residents, particularly those in riverine communities, to relocate to higher ground as a precautionary measure. This advisory follows an unusual pattern of rainfall that has caused flooding in several parts of Kwara, disrupting daily activities and endangering lives and property.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge, and signed by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Kamaldeen Aliagan, the government acknowledged the challenges posed by extreme weather patterns but assured residents that the situation is temporary.

The floods, which have affected local communities, are attributed to climate change and a shift in seasonal rainfall patterns, the statement noted.

“The government is deeply concerned about the flooding, and proactive measures are being taken to ensure public safety,” Buge said, adding that the state has been implementing various flood control projects. These efforts include the continuous dredging of Asa River, construction of embankments, clearing of drainages, and expansion of waste disposal sites.

The government has also introduced waste recycling programs and launched sensitization campaigns on environmental issues to prevent further damage.

The Commissioner expressed sympathy for those affected, particularly families who have lost property or loved ones. “Our hearts go out to the families hardest hit by this disaster. We are doing everything within our capacity to mitigate the impact of the floods,” she said.

To avoid further casualties, residents are urged to follow safety guidelines, including relocating to safer areas, avoiding travel during heavy rains, and adhering to evacuation instructions from the Ministry of Environment and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). SEMA teams will be dispatched to assist affected communities.

In addition, the government advised residents to secure proper building permits before embarking on construction projects and to avoid erecting structures near waterways. Buge emphasized the importance of flood prevention measures such as refraining from dumping refuse in waterways, desilting drainages, planting trees, and reporting environmental hazards to authorities.

The statement also called on individuals, NGOs, and civil society organizations to support the government’s climate change adaptation efforts, stressing the importance of collective action to safeguard the environment.

“It is vital that we all take responsibility for protecting our environment, as neglecting it will ultimately harm us all,” Buge concluded.

The Kwara State Government reiterated that continued environmental degradation caused by human activity contributes to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, and called for a united effort to improve environmental sustainability for the benefit of all.