The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria has urged immediate action to manage floodplains effectively, attributing recent flooding disasters to mismanagement. Chairman Dr. Samson Opaluwah criticized the inadequate use of Nigeria’s major rivers and called for preventive measures, stricter urban planning, and a unified effort from government and communities to address the crisis.
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) is sounding the alarm over floodplain mismanagement in the country, urgently calling for action to reframe Nigeria’s rivers from hazardous areas into pivotal economic resources. Dr. Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of CORBON, voiced serious concerns about the damage inflicted by seasonal floods, particularly on vulnerable riverine communities. His comments come in the wake of a tragic flood event in Mokwa, Niger State, which claimed more than 150 lives.
During a recent interview, Opaluwah extended condolences to those affected, noting, “Floodplains’ mismanagement is responsible for flooding. We pray that God will comfort the families of the bereaved and provide succor and replacement for those who have lost essential items, real estate, and livelihoods.” This acknowledgment of loss highlights the urgent need for a systemic response to flooding.
He also urged proactive measures from both the government and the community to aid those affected by floods. As he stated, “Every nation prepares for the climatic situation that they find themselves in on an ongoing basis.” In light of Nigeria’s well-established rainy and harmattan seasons, Opaluwah called for federal, state, and local governments to implement annual flood-prevention programs.
Emphasizing the pressing nature of climate change, he remarked that it necessitates immediate action from Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment and climate agencies to fulfill their duties and mitigate disasters. “Our country has the professionals and the capacity to be proactive,” he added, urging a shift from reactive measures to preventive strategies. While commending governmental emergency frameworks, he asserted that these measures must be adequately funded and managed for effective responsiveness.
Opaluwah also turned to the nation’s geography, lamenting the untapped potential of Nigeria’s two major rivers, the Niger and Benue, describing them as assets that should be optimized rather than viewed as burdens. He suggested an economic development approach centered on these rivers, incorporating maritime activities, tourism, and manufacturing.
“Many of the governments along these river courses and even the federal government have not considered these major natural endowments as something to be appreciated, tapped, and harnessed,” remarked Opaluwah, pointing towards a future where these waterways can play a crucial role in national development.
Another focal point raised by CORBON is the problematic construction on floodplains. As he highlighted, “They have built houses where they are not supposed to build. Whenever there is rainfall, the body of water will claim where it is supposed to flow through.” In light of this, Opaluwah stressed the need for stricter enforcement of urban planning policies, advocating for designs that incorporate flood mitigation into future developments.
He acknowledged the role of the Ecological Fund Office in tackling the flooding crisis, urging state governments to act decisively to prevent future disasters. “Buildings in the floodplains are either protected or they should be removed. That is the permanent solution for these perennial incidents,” he concluded, reaffirming CORBON’s commitment to aid any government willing to adopt practical solutions to the flooding crisis.
In summary, CORBON emphasizes the critical need to address floodplain mismanagement as a prime factor in Nigeria’s flooding issues. Through a call for enhanced flood prevention programs, the appropriate use of the nation’s rivers, and stricter urban planning, the Council advocates for a proactive approach to disaster management. There is hope as CORBON offers its assistance to those governments willing to engage in tangible solutions to this ongoing crisis.
Original Source: punchng.com
