NEMA Urges Delta Residents To Adopt Environment-Friendly Practices Amid Flooding Concerns

By Halima Abdulkadiri

Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Delta to imbibe environment-friendly habits to reduce the impact of flooding in the state.

Umar made the call at a One-Day stakeholders sensitisation workshop, organised by NEMA in Asaba on Thursday.

The theme of the workshop organised in collaboration with the Delta State Emergency Management Agency, is: “Proper Waste Management and Flood Preparation.”

Represented by the Head of Operations, Mr Dahiru Yusuf, the NEMA D-G urged residents of flood-prone areas in the state to take preparatory measures ahead of the incident.

She said that communities in 18 local government areas in the state were predicted to witness flooding during the 2024 rainy season.

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The NEMA boss said that the workshop was aimed at encouraging behavioural change among residents to ensure sustainable waste management practices and flood mitigation strategies in the state.

“This workshop is to raise awareness on the importance of proper waste management culture and practice among residents.

“To educate the public on the adverse effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and public health, and to promote practical measures for flood preparedness and resilience,” he said.

Earlier, Delta Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Ejiro Etacherure, described the sensitisation exercise as ‘timely and well-intended’

He said that the state government had established flood committees, and setup displacement camps at strategic places to mitigate the impact of flood across the state.

The commissioner commended NEMA for its proactive steps in tackling the impacts of the flooding that had been predicted to occur in the state.

Also speaking, the Director, Delta Emergency Management Agency, Mr Karo Ovemeso, said that the 18 local government areas invited to the workshop were the flood flash points in the state.

He said that the sensitisation was to prepare residents of flood-prone communities on the steps to take towards reducing the impact of the incident.

“The situation may persist until the government constructs dams to take off the excess water from the overflowing rivers.

“So there is a need for collaborative efforts by waste management agencies, residents and the private sector to ensure proper waste management in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme attracted participants from security agents, Red Cross, Roads Safety, environmental organisations, among others.