Flood Alert: Abia Desilts Blocked Drains, Urges Residents to Stop Blocking Drains
Flood Alert: Abia Desilts Blocked Drains, Urges Residents to Stop Blocking Drains
In response to the early warning flood alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Abia State Government has embarked on a massive desilting of blocked drainages across the state to avert potential flooding.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Umuahia on the outcome of the weekly State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu explained that the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) had been mobilised to key flood-prone areas in Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state to ensure free flow of water and reduce the risk of environmental disasters.
“We know the devastating effect of blocked drains when it rains. And the kind of rain we have these days, we don’t pray for our drains to be blocked, whether in Umuahia or any part of the state,” he said.
The commissioner further appealed to residents to support government’s efforts by refraining from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters and waterways.
According to him, sustainable flood management requires active participation of citizens.
“We are using this opportunity to appeal to Abians to ensure they don’t dump refuse in our gutters or drains. That singular act contributes largely to flooding challenges,” Kanu stressed.
He also announced that Abia State would join the rest of the world to mark World Cleanup Day on September 25, 2025, adding that preparations were already underway.
“ASEPA is working with different stakeholder groups and partners to ensure a successful celebration of this year’s version of the World Cleanup Exercise,” he stated.
The state government urged civil society groups, community-based organisations, schools, and market associations to actively participate in the global sanitation initiative.
With the rains intensifying, the Otti-led administration reiterated its commitment to prioritising environmental sustainability and flood control measures, while calling on citizens to embrace a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
