NEDC embark on drainage evacuation to prevent flooding in Yobe

The North-East Development Commission, (NEDC) has joined forces with the Yobe Government to prevent flooding in major towns across the state.

The collaboration involves the evacuation of drainages and culverts to ensure proper water flow during the rainy season.

Mr. Ali Abbas, the NEDC State Coordinator for Yobe State, announced this during an inspection of ongoing drainage and culvert evacuation efforts in Damaturu on Thursday.

Abbas emphasised that the NEDC’s initiative aimed to complement the efforts of the Yobe State Government, which has been actively working to address flooding concerns.

“Considering the unpredictable rainfall patterns this season, the commission has decided to continue the evacuation process,”he added.

Abbas explained that the commission planned to evaluate and clean 15 kilometers of drainages in various locations within Damaturu.

Areas targeted for the exercise, according to him include 3-Bedroom, Obasanjo, Yanya, Malari bypass quarters, along Gujba road.

Others were, Maiduguri-Potiskum bypass, Old Bra-Bra housing estate and Shagari Low-cost along Gashua road.

Abbas also said that similar evacuation efforts are being carried out in other major towns such as, Buniyadi, Bunigari in Gujba; Damagum and Ngelzama in Fune; Potiskum, Nangere, and Geidam LGAs.

He explained that, beyond flood prevention, the evacuation exercise had also created job opportunities for young people in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa, thanked NEDC for it’s efforts and other developmental projects in the state.

He urged the public to avoid dumping garbage in waterways to prevent blockages.

Alhaji Babagana Modu, the General Manager of the State Sanitation and Environmental Protection Agency, announced plans to revive the monthly sanitation exercise in the state.

He added that the agency, in collaboration with the state assembly, will review obsolete policies to ensure compliance.