To mitigate the impact of emerging devastating flood and other environmental issues in Makurdi and environs, Benue state government said there is need to amend the state’s sanitation law to make provision for more punitive punishment for offenders.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Godwin Oyiwona who disclosed this in Makurdi when he inspected areas affected by flood, said the law when amended would create room for jail sentence or substantial amount as fine for defaulters who dispose waste in water drainages.
Our correspondent observes that most drainages in strategic areas in Makurdi, especially around High-Level, Wurukum, David Mark bye-pass among others, have become notorious for indiscriminate refuse dumping. This behaviour has led to blockage of water way leading to flooding of residential areas.
Oyiwona frowned at the attitude of some residents who are in the habit of dumping refuse at water channels saying they were largely responsible for flood in addition to global climate change.
The commissioner further disclosed that his ministry would liaise with that of Lands and the state Urban Development Board with a view to addressing cases of indiscriminate building on water channels.
He said as at Sunday evening, the flood gauge in state rose to 9.5 meters, an indication, which he said puts Makurdi under flood threat.
Oyiwona however maintained that in the interim, the ministry would continue to clean up major drainages within the metropolis in addition to educating residents on basic environmental sanitation.
Speaking to journalists during the inspection on Monday, the commissioner said, “As at 6.00pm last night, the flood rose to a level of 9.5m on the seasonal flood guage on river Benue.
“In 2012, the river over flew it’s banks when the level rose to 12m on the guage.
“The State Ministry of Water Resources and Environment will continue to desilt canals and discourage Benue people from dumping refuse on drainage channels while Urban Development Board is keen on demolishing illegal structures built on waterways.”
The commissioner visited Agboul village, an extension of Wadata and Mobile Baracks along Naka road amongst other locations in Makurdi which were flooded due to heavy rainfall.