Non-adherence to environmental report caused flooding in Plateau, says NESREA

The National Environmental Safety and Regulatory Agency (NESREA) said that the non-adherence to environmental impact assessment (EIA) report was the major cause of the recent flooding in Plateau.

The North Central Acting Zonal Director of NESREA, Mr Apia Jude, said this at a town hall meeting on Flooding organised by the Radio Nigeria Highland FM on Thursday in Jos.

Our Correspondent reports that the meeting was part of its programme known as “Voice out for Better Plateau”.

Jude said that most of the roads and other construction works being executed in the state did not tally with the environmental needs of the communities.

“Most of the contractors handling roads’ construction in some parts of the state do not adhere to EIA report.’’

He said that the recent flooding experienced in the state was due to inadequate drainage system that had been damaged by previous rainfalls.
Jude advised construction companies to always consider the present and future needs of the environment where they were working to guide against disasters such as flooding in future.

Also, Mr Alhassan Barde, the Executive Secretary, Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) expressed worry over the arbitrary manner people built on waters ways in the state.
According to him, people do not heed government warnings on such issues, hence, endangering their lives.
He advised residents of areas such as Rikkos, Angwan Rogo, Gangare, and other parts of Jos to learn to heed government’s warnings.

“When you visit those areas, you will realise that most buildings do not have approvals; people build on water ways and that is an invitation to flooding.

“It is the duty of government to protect lives and properties of its citizens, but the citizens on their part should also listen to warnings on issues that can affect them negatively,’’ he said.

Barde advised residents of the state to desist from blocking water ways either by building or dropping waste on them.

Our Correspondent also reports that the representatives of various communities and environmental experts from some agencies in the state attended the meeting.

Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos