By Abubakar Hassan
Niger state Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba have given matching order to the state urban development board (NSUDB) and other relevant agencies to clear all structures on water ways to mitigate effect of flooding in Minna and its environs.
The Deputy Governor gave the matching order while addressing members of the press, shortly after inspecting some areas affected by the heavy downpour which occurred last night.
He said the era of giving verbal directive without action is over, calling on those who have structures on water ways to remove them with immediate effect as no warning notice will be given to anyone anymore.
The Acting Governor who is equally the Chairman of the state emergency management agency (NSEMA) said a technical team comprising of members of NSEMA, state urban development board (NSUDB) and the state environmental protection agency (NISEPA), with the backing up of security agencies will go round to take stock of the structures on water ways which he said must give way for free flow of water.
He disclosed that the state government through its relevant agencies will ensure that all debris in water ways is cleared to allow for free flow of water, calling on residents to desist from the act of dumping refuse on water ways, as according to him anyone caught in the act will be made to face the law.
Comrade Yakubu Garba observed that the government has the primary responsibility of protecting lives and properties of its citizens and the present administration under the leadership of Gov Mohammed Umar Bago was determined to carry out the responsibility.
While commiserating with those affected by the yesterday heavy downpour, the Deputy Governor warned people against acquiring land on water ways and appreciated God for not recording any casualty as a result of the flood.
The Acting General Manager of the urban development board, Architect Mohammed Bako Isma'il said they will swing into action immediately, adding that all the identified structures were illegal structures erected without building permit from the board.
He disclosed that the structures had since been marked by the board, with some of them since 2021 but without action, but that with the present executive order given to the board they have no time to waste in executing the order.
On the issue of compensation, the acting general manager said the identified structures have no permit and as such not qualified for any compensation, urging the public to always obtain permit before erecting any structure.
Some of the areas visited includes New Market, Tungan Maje, Chanchaga, Brighter Area and Gbeganu in Minna and environs.
Among the entourage of the Acting Governor were the Chief of Staff to Niger state Governor, Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Joshua Ayodele Ogundeji, Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of local government, community development and chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu Mila and that of ministry of health and hospital management, Dr. Gana Mohammed as well as officials of NUDB, NSEMA and NISEPA.
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