By Muhammad Amaan
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday organised a one-day sensitisation programme for environmental stakeholders on flood prevention and waste management in Bauchi State.
NEMA Head of Operations in Gombe Office, Mrs Ummunah Ahmed, who address the stakeholders during the programme held in Bauchi, said the sensitisation became necessary following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s prediction of flooding in some states and local government areas across the country.
According to her, two local government areas in Bauchi State, Itas Gadau and Toro, were listed among high-risk areas.
She, however, mentioned Bauchi, Jama’are, Ganjuwa, Shira, Zaki, Warji and Katagum as seven other local government areas listed as moderate-risk areas.
Mrs Ummumah Ahmed said the programme was to reiterate the importance of proper waste management practices and the adverse effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and public health.
She said the gathering would also promote proactive measures for flood preparedness and resilience in communities while encouraging behavioural change toward sustainable waste management practices and flood mitigation strategies.
“Improper waste disposal has severe and far-reaching consequences on our environment, health and climate, hence the reason experts on environmental issues have been invited to do justice to the given topic.
“As you are aware, flood is always associated with improper waste management, so we are enlightening you, creating awareness among you so as to avoid flooding.
“If you look at our drainages and waterways, you will find out that they are all filled up with waste, so if we can clean and clear up our drainages, and dispose of our wastes properly, this is a good measure in avoiding flooding.
“I, therefore, urge you all to listen to expert presentations and advice, extending the same message to the grassroots,” she said.
She also urged those living in flood-prone areas to move to safer grounds, adding that in the occasion of flooding, people living in sloppy areas would be affected first.
While appreciating NEMA for the programme, Mr Haruna Suleiman, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Bauchi State Ministry of Health, added that dangers associated with improper waste disposal could not be overemphasised.
The members of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), Bauchi State Environmental Management Agency, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Ministry of Health and Environment were present at the event.
Others include traditional and religious leaders, members of the State and Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police among others.
