By Mariam Adams
In its determination to ensure free flow of flood water in preparation for the on coming raining season, the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, through the Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board, has extended its on going clean up exercise towards the massive clean up of drainages in the state metropolis.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen during the inspection and monitoring exercise at Murtala Muhammad road Lokoja on Friday, explained that the sustained clearing of drainages will reduce the flooding of its roads in the 2024 rainy season.
He stated that the measure was part of the Governor Usman Ododo-led administration’s avowed efforts to foster sustainable development and quality living environment in Kogi state.
He added that the ministry has since began the desilting of drainage channels to give room for efficient flood management and clearing of all blocked drainage channels.
“Kogi Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is determined in its pursuits of clean, sustainable and livable environment as this is vital to the well-being of the people.
“The ongoing massive cleanup exercise captures activities which includes: the removal of refuse, vegetation control, disengagement of roadside traders and the evacuation of drain silt to ensure ease of water flow,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, the Ministry has effectively cleared major waterways in different parts of the city including drains from; Kpata to International market, Paparanda square to Kpata market, former people shopping centre to post office, Kogi hotels to Graphics Newspaper, Kogi Hotels round about through government house to Stella Obasanjo Library and currently Specialist Hospital to Ganaja flyover, while others are ongoing.
The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for environmental abuse.
He, however, urged residence to desist from indiscriminate refuse dumping, drainage blockage, construction on waterways and drainage alignments.
“I would like to appeal to all residents to take good care of this drainages as the government is cleaning them. Kindly take ownership and desist from encroaching on canals and drains right of way,” he said.
The General Manager, Sanitation and Waste Management Board, Mr Femi Ajayi, said the essence of the cleaning and caring exercise is to ensure water flows through the channels unhindered all year round while emphasizing the need for promotion of environmental sustainability
The General Manager expressed great appreciation to the state government for its proactiveness towards environmental matters, stressing on the need to engage monitoring team to ensure total compliance with sanitation regulations to justify the effort of the government.
