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As part of efforts to keep Abians alert amid warnings against likely flood in some LGAs in the State, the Abia State Government has commenced Flood Early Warning Sensitisation Programme in Ukwa East and Ukwa West LGAs.
Speaking while addressing participants on Tuesday, Abia Commissioner for Environment and Leader of the Team, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, noted that the reason for the sensitisation in selected LGAs is to inform them of the detected flood that may occur in the State.
He said due to climate change, it has been constantly predicted that some parts in the state will experience the likely flood, adding that the flood can be mitigated by adequate channelling of wastes, constant scooping of the drainage system and obeying environmental law.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere, reiterated the need for people to end the practice of erecting buildings and shops on drainage systems as well as learn how to dispose of their waste appropriately and assured that places that are prone to flood will be handled appropriately.
On his part, Pastor Chibunna Akara, the Mayor of Ukwa East, expressed optimism that the State Government has shown proactiveness in handling the situation, pointing out that the programmes will yield good results.
He lauded Governor Alex Otti for his efforts at protecting lives and property of Abians, assuring that every community in Ukwa East will be involved in the mission to safeguard the environment.
Also speaking, Pastor Dike Nwankwo, the Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, promised that the message will be spread across the communities in Ukwa West LGA, appreciating the State Government for coming up with the sensitisation programme geared towards keeping Abians abreast.
Contributing, Mrs Ureh Abazie, the Director-General, Abia State Orientation Agency, enjoined Abians to adhere to the rules guiding the environment vis-à-vis disilting the drainages, ensuring their environment is clean as flood is uncontrollable, pledging that the State Government will continue to do all to protect Abians.
In his address, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Sunday Jackson, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Agency, Mr. Ohabughiro Joshua, reiterated the need for people to come up with images and reports of any sign of flood in their area, stating that it will be properly handled and taken care of through the emergency assistance of the National Emergency Management Agency or State Government.
He called on everyone to be conscious of their lifestyle to mitigate things that may cause natural disasters.
Contributing, the Head of Department, Disaster Management, National Security Civil Defence Coups, Mr. Alphonsus Onuegbu, noted that the purpose of the sensitization is to inform people on the anticipated flood that may occur in the State.
He admonished Abians to adhere to the existing environmental laws as well as end indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the drainage system, assuring that the Civil Defense Corps will lead the enforcement of the law against anyone who violates the Abia Environmental Law.
Lending his voice, the Disaster Management Officer of Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abia state Branch, Mr. Chibuike Mokwe, said their mandate is to sensitize people on the impact of natural disasters.
He stressed that preparing themselves against the disaster through the creation of a pathway for flood and not building on drainage will go a long way to securing Abia environment and called on them to apply strategies that will not affect them.
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