…As 221 victims get N15 million in Chanchaga LG
Niger state government has warned that severe measures await anyone that causes any form of blockade on drainage systems as the state prepares for the predicted heavy rainfall.
The Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said in Minna earlier today at the second phase of compensation for flood affected victims by the Niger state Environmental Management Agency (NSEMA), in Chanchaga local government area of the state that government is bringing out laws that will address defaulters.
Governor aliyu who was represented by the state Commissioner for lands and housing Dr. Peter Salle Sarki warned that henceforth the state will penalise anybody who dumps refuse in drainages and those who build on waterways.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Chanchaga local government alhaji Yakubu Salawu thanked the federal government for the gestures and urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds no matter how meagre it may look.
The chairman who was represented by his vice chairman Nuhu Gomna said the succour and relief from the federal government through the state government will go a long way in alleviating their pains.
The Agency (NSEMA) through its Director General Mohammed Shaba doled out N15 million to about 221 flood victims in Chanchaga local government with the highest compensation fee of N300,000 each given to the families of the deceased and the least N35,000.
The fund given to the victims is part of the N400,000 donated by the federal government to flood affected victims of the state with the 19 local governments to benefit.
The DG (NSEMA), Mohammed Shaba however raised an alarm that Nigerlites have turned the drainage systems into toilets and waste sites.
He warns that with the recent prediction by experts that there will be early rainfall, people should not drop waste into the drainage as the government is about to enact a law to punish defaulters.
He also pleaded with them not to build on waterways or drainage, adding that with the Niger state information geographical system in place, it will be easier to curb flooding.
Enakeno is a journalist and television producer
