Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has paid a sympathy visit to the people affected by flood disaster in Kontagora local government and donated 100 fabrics, 500 bags of grains comprising rice, maize and millet as relief materials.
Presenting the items to the Emir of Kontagora at his Palace for onward distribution to the victims, Bello said the gesture was to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
The Governor consoled the Emir and those that lost their family members as well as properties to the disaster.
He directed the Ministry of Environment to collaborate with relevant Ministries and Kontagora local government council to demolish all structures built on waterways as a way of averting future occurrences.
According to him, “on the technical side, we have to find a way to expand the river, to desilt it so that there will be free flow of water when it rains.
“A lot of them were actually paid compensation to leave and they refused. So we are just going to go ahead and bring down the houses along the waterlines”, he said.
The Governor enjoined the people to be conscious of their Environments as the rains continue to fall.
Commissioner for Environment, Daniel Habila Galadima said that the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources and Works as well as Kontagora Emirate and local government council will partner to ensure that the directive of the Governor is accomplished.
He assured that the required design for a lasting solution to the flooding will be ready by the end of September, 2022 and high level of sensitization will be made to avoid building on waterways.
“By the time we solve the problem, there will be the need to create awareness so that people will stop building along waterways and ensure that water bodies/ holdings/shades are protected”, he stated.
The Emir of Kontagora, Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II commended the Governor for his visit and the palliative provided for the flood victims assuring him of judicious distribution of the items.
The Chairman of Kontagora local government, Shehu Pawa confirmed that 237 people were affected by the flood and two deaths were recorded.
The governor on arrival, had visited Hayin Hakimi, one of the six communities destroyed by the flood disaster for on the spot assessment.
Among those in the entourage of the Governor were the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Umar Mohammed Bago; member representing Kontagora in the National Assembly, Abdullahi Idris Garba; member representing Kontagora I in the state house of assembly, Falalu Bako; members of the state executive council, and some APC stalwarts in the state.
