Benue State Begins Demolition of Structures on Waterways to Avert Flooding
The Benue State Government has commenced the demolition of buildings constructed on waterways in Makurdi and other parts of the state as a proactive measure to prevent severe flooding during the rainy season.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, disclosed that the demolition exercise has already started at the Mechanic Village in Kanshio Welfare Quarters.
“Those who built on waterways, their houses will be demolished… to ensure that when rain falls, there will be easy passage for it,” the Commissioner stated.
Kunde outlined the government’s plans for long-term solutions, revealing that the state is working on contingency and resettlement plans. He will travel to Burkina Faso next week to study their model for the resettlement of flood victims, security, humanitarian, and development issues to inform Benue’s own roadmap for tackling flooding.
On the issue of the overflowing River Benue, Kunde confirmed that the state has formally written to the Federal Government regarding the need for dredging.
He emphasized that once the river is dredged, its increased depth will be sufficient to contain water, including any surges from the Lagdo Dam, thereby resolving the persistent flooding problem.
