The Executive Secretary Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu has decried the incessant blockages of major water channels and small households’ drainages in Makurdi and its environs. He stated this while inspecting sampled blocked major water channels at the Benue Links Park, Wurukum, Peugeot Service Hub Drain Point, Kanshio and Ambilla Water Channel at Kilometer 5, Gboko Road, all in Makurdi in preparation to mitigate the negative impact of 2023 flash floods as predicted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Benue State has being in the eye of the storm of floods for more than a decade now. The perennial flooding has caused many residents homeless and stays in Internally Displaced Persons camps across the length and breath of the State.
Iorpuu added that: ‘ SEMA has inaugurated a technical team to look at possible ways of floods mitigation with the State Urban Development Board as a key player and other development partners.’ ‘ Urban Development Board are leading us to major water channel blockages that people have deliberately developed on major water channels.’ he submitted.
Corroborating the BSEMA Executive Secretary’s point, the Nigerian Red Cross, Benue State Secretary, Mr. Anthony Aba told the press that they are out with SEMA for inspection and possible ways of mitigation.
On his part, Benue State Urban Development Board Acting General Manager, Townplanner, (Tpl.) Ternongo Mede represented by Tpl. Robert M. Ashiekaa urged the State Government with necessary logistics to aid the demolition of illegal structures built on water ways in the city.