Against the backdrop of the devastating effects of flood experienced last year, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has appealed to the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (Acresal), a World Bank programme, to complement his government’s efforts in providing solutions to mitigate the anticipated floods this raining season.
Receiving a delegation from the World Bank and Acresal, Buni said the most definite measure to avert the floods, is to construct drainages to channel the flood waters outside the towns and communities, hence the need for Acresal to key in that direction.
According to him, provision of culverts and drainages in areas prone to flooding is a matter of urgency that needs all hands to be on deck, as there were predictions on possible flooding this coming rainy season.
Buni also called for concerted efforts to ensure resettlement of displaced communities, saying “this should be treated as a matter of emergency and urgent public importance to avert the looming threat posed by the anticipated floods”.
“We must support the resilience of the communities, and the resettlement programme of the state government by saving the reconstructed houses from the threats of the floods”.
A statement by Mamman Mohammed, Director Press, and Media Affairs to the Governor, quoted the Buni as saying that the resettled communities had in the last three years been threatened by the floods, adding that they must construct drainages to avoid the possible disaster by rains.
“It is also important to construct drainages early to beat inflation” he added.
On her part, Ms Joy Iyanga Agene, the Acresal Task Team Leader, pledged continued support to the state government to save the people from the floods, acknowledging the efforts of the Yobe state government in providing conducive environment that enhanced the performance of Acresal in the state.
WikkiTimes understands that the team was led by Mr. Vijay Kumar of the World Bank, Joy Iyanga Agene, Acresal Task Team leader, and Cesena Cavecchi, Senior social specialist and North Coordinator of the World Bank, and Shehu Mohammed Yobe state Acresal coordinator.
