The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), has flagged off the desilting of drainages in seven LGAs of the State.
Speaking with Newsmen in Lokoja, Micheal Omeiza Ajayi, Kogi State Acting Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, said the exercise is a follow up to the world environmental day flagged off in the State by the Acting Managing Director, N-HYPPADEC, Alh Haruna Jimoh Gabi.
He said, “the Commission in the State has flagged off the distilling of drainages in Kogi State. The desilting is taking place simultaneously ink seven Local Government Areas of the State”.
The seven LGAs in the State earmarked for desitiling drainages and blocked drains he said includes; Kogi, Bassa, Adavi, Idah, Ofu and Igalamela as well as Lokoja LGAs.
“The desilting is in preparation for the impending flooding for which Kogi State has been placed on red alert amongst the red flags States in Nigeria”.
“We are desilting seven LGAs including the State capital. We intend to make sure most of the drainages are cleared to enable water flow into the Rivers Niger and Benue easily as well as for easy access to the environment”.
“We flagged off the exercise at Koton karfe LGA where we visited the Traditional Ruler, HRM the Ohimegye Igu Kingdom, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu to solicits his blessings”.
“We are also taking our advocacy to all the Seven LGAs to ensure that people are sensitized on this initiative because we want to minimize the risk that will be associated with and occur with this year’s flooding. The initiative by the Commission is to make sure all blocked drainages are cleared in the identified flood prune areas of the State”.
“We are working with a team of officers from the Commission and the Environmental Officers in all the seven affected
Local Government Areas to ensure a seamless exercise that will enable our people heave a sigh of relief inspite the prediction”.
The Acting Coordinator appealed to citizens of the affected Local Government Areas for maximum cooperation, said it would enable the commission clear the blocked drains and ensure that citizens stay safe and healthy.
He called for citizens cooperation with the staff of the agencies and the environmental officers saddled with the responsibility, so as to enable the Commission achieve it objectives, clearing up dirts from drains and their environment.
