Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev has urged States along River Benue to remain vigilant and implement preparedness measures to reduce impacts of flooding on the populace.
The minister made this known in Abuja at a press conference in commemoration of the world Rivers Day, themed “Protect our Rivers from pollution.”
Prof Utsev said the ministry has embarked on an overall assessment of the Alau Dam in Mejiguli to ascertain its integrity in order to take stringent measures that will help in guiding against future occurrence.
He added that the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has equally announced that the management of Lado Dam in Cameroon has begun the controlled water release at 100 cubic metres square by 2nd of Tuesday, 17th of September, 2024, to gradually increase to 1,000 cubic metres per second over a period of 7 days.
“This measure is aimed at preventing major flooding downstream in Nigeria, particularly along the Benue River. I have therefore directed the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency to keep vigilant on the water levels of the Mejiguli Rivers and other island rivers across the nation,” the minister said.
“I wish to affirm that state governments along the banks of River Benue, which is Adamawan, Karaba, Benue and other States, have been advised to remain vigilant and implement preparedness measures to enhance sensitization of floods, mitigation, clearing of clogged drainage channels, and relocation of people living along flood-borne areas to safeguard properties and lives.
“Similarly, the 12 river-based developing authorities have been equally directed to monitor all the dams and report any occurrence that stands to threaten the safety of lives and properties within their respective locations.”
Speaking on open defecation free, the minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ending open dedication by 2025.
“It is important to add that our target of ensuring an all-for-defecation free nation by the year 2025 is highly achievable,” he said.
On his part, the minister of State Bello Muhammad goronyo said the federal government is committed to protecting dam facilities to enhance development, the protection of life and property
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah stated that rivers play significant role in shaping the earth’s surface features, serving as strong support to water supply, biodiversity and ecosystem activities, flood control, hydroelectricity, irrigation, climate regulation, promote recreational and mental health benefits, transport goods and services, promote tourism
The Permanent Secretary who emphasized that despite the tremendous benefits that rivers plays in lives and communities, the rivers in Nigeria are thrown to diverse pollution, climate change, urbanization, population growth, industrial development and other human activities that endanger the sources of our fresh water added that this year’s event will be celebrated on a low key to demonstrate solidarity and commensurate with the people of Borne State.
In his goodwill message the Director General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohamed represented by Director of the Hydrogeology Department Jabo Stephen, stressed that rivers are vital for the survival of countless species, including flora, fauna, and human communities.
“However, they also pose challenges, particularly through floods, which can cause significant harm to vulnerable communities,” he said.
Also the acting Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Mrs. Sakinatu Sulieman Abbo called for enlightenment campaigns to educate stakeholders on sustainable river management and collaboration with local communities on river conservation.
In his presentation, the Director General of the National Institute of Water Resources, Dr. Segun Michael called for collective responsibility to protect the nation’s River in respect to climate change in ensuring food security for future generations
