From Abel Abogonye, Lafia
Following predictions of impending flooding Nasarawa State Government has embarked on massive evacuation and clearance of the drainage system across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state to curtail the effect.
Permanent Secretary (PS), Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Malam Garba Mohammed made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on Saturday in Lafia after the June sanitation exercise.
The Permanent Secretary expressed displeasure with the attitude of some residents who dispose their refuge in the drains thereby obstructing easy passage of water.
According to him, the ministry has decided to evacuate drains for now, however in subsequent months house and shop owners would be held responsible for any blockage within their premises.
According to him, given the way flood has ravaged and is still ravaging communities in many states including some parts of Nasarawa State, the ministry will sensitized the people against any activity that can block the water ways.
On this month’s compliance, the Permanent Secretary expressed satisfaction as he applauded the traditional rulers, Chairmen of Area Councils as well as the security agencies for the success of the exercise.
He declared that 90 per cent of the residents complied by locking up their shops and businesses to clean the surrounding during the exercise.
Meanwhile 39 persons suspected to have violated environmental sanitation laws in Lafia and Karu Local Government Areas (LGAs) were arrested and prosecuted by various mobile courts in the respective LGAs.