- The SEMA boss lamented that despite predictions and warnings, some residents refused to relocate, leading to the destruction of over 200 houses in Zaria and Sabon-Gari LGAs.
- He called for cooperation of residents to ensure safety and avoid disaster in the impending flood.
The Kaduna government has asked residents living in flood-prone communities to relocate to other areas.
The directives comes on the heels of devastating floods that reportedly ravaged Sabon-Gari and Zaria LGAs, destroying properties and homes.
In a statement on Wednesday, Usman Mazadu, executive secretary of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said the agency has taken proactive steps to minimize flood damage, including drainage clearance and public awareness initiatives.
Mazadu said some residents’ refusal to relocate despite warnings led to destruction, adding that he called for cooperation to ensure safety in impending floods.
“As you may recall, we received predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) three months ago, and we took proactive measures to prepare for the flood”, the statement reads.
“Our assessment identified three key issues: inadequate drainages, dumping of refuse, and structures erected within waterways.
“We presented our findings to the governor, who directed the stakeholders to embark on a statewide desilting of old drainages.
“I am pleased to report that this exercise has been completed, which helped minimize the impact of the flood in other predicted areas.
“However, despite our efforts, some residents refused to evacuate, leading to the destruction of properties.
“SEMA had been carrying out public enlightenment campaigns on radio stations, but residents are “yet to understand the essence and purpose of our lives.
“I keep telling stakeholders and people within these flood-prone areas, that the issue of security and safety is not just about the governor, it is not just because we have a governor that is fair hearing, we equally need to understand the fact that we need to safeguard our lives and property.
“Let’s communicate to our brothers and sisters on the negative effect and dangers of living in flood-prone areas
“On behalf of the government of Mallam Uba Sani, we are pleading with people living within flood-prone areas, to evacuate to urban centres.”