NEMA’s warning followed the prediction of heavy rainfall by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
The North West coordinator of NEMA, Musa Illalah, gave the advice in Kaduna during a workshop on liquid and solid waste management in the context of flood mitigation.
Represented by the director, Administration of the agency, Amina Ahman, Illalah said the implication of the NIMET alert was because there may be excessive rainfall hence, states in the North ought to anticipate drought.
He said:
“The implication is that there might be water surplus and increase in stream flow which will affect dams storage for municipal water supply, may affect hydro power generation and irrigation.
“Therefore, the development and regular maintenance of dams for dry season irrigation and water supply must be accorded high priority during this time.
“In the same vein, there may be shortage of rainfall; we must also be prepared for drought and the mitigation of its impact.’’He said that the workshop was to articulate the problem of solid waste management which exacerbate negative impact of flooding in the country.
The coordinator urged the participants to develop effective and efficient management model through collaboration with all stakeholders in order to address the problem.
Shehu advised residents to stop developing houses on water ways and to always maintain their drains to avert flooding.
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