FLOOD: Kebbi Set To Provide Succour For Victims

Kebbi State and the twenty one Local Governments in the state have swang into action, with a view to providing immediate succor to flood victims across the state.

They have also moved in to mitigate the unpalatable impact of the flood disasters on food security of the state, as well as damages to infrarstructure across the state.

These were disclosed by the State Commissioner of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed Shalla, when he briefed newsmen.

According to Shallah: ” The State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has met with the Officials of the Ministry and the Chairmen of the 21 LGAs.

” The meeting brainstormed on the plausible ways the state government can come in to immediately ameliorate the suffering of the people badly affected by the flood disasters.

” The Agencies related to weather forecasts had earlier alerted us that, 11 out of the 21 LGAs in the state were to be affected by flood this year.

” But, as it had turned , almost all the 21 local governments in the state have been affected by the devastating floods .

” Even those that are far away from the River banks have been affected. I have just visited one of such towns, more than half of it had been destroyed by flood .”

Shallah disclosed that, the Chairmen have therefore been directed to collate all the names of the victims, including the number of houses and farmlands destoryed, livestock killed and other damages .

They were also warned against missing any victims, while the exercise should be diligently conducted, devoid of any selfish interests.

According to the Commissioner, this is with the view to enabling the state government to take the necessary actions,to provide immediate salvation to the victims.

Shallah further stated that, the Chairmen have also been directed to provide shelter to the victims in any available public buildings that include pririmary and Secondary schools, as well as hospitals, among others.

In the same vein, they have been mandated to provide adeaquate potable water, medical and sanitation facilities to the victims in the temporary shelters before SEMA takes the necessary actions .

The Commissioner further lauded the Governor for providing all the needed moral and financial support to the Ministry and the LGs, including granting the nescessary approvals to fully implement the directves reeled out .

Shallah added that, the LGs have also been directed to identify farm prouce that can be planted and harvested before the end of the current raining season, like sweet potatoes, cassava and yams,.among others .

This, he noted, was to complement the expected bumper harvests, this year that were destroyed by the floods, hence, dashed the high hopes of the farmers.

He added :”” They have also been directed to liase with NURTW, NARTO, Police and other agencies , to restrict vehicular movements on roads across the state that had been badly damaged.

” This is to ensure that accidents are prevented and their attendant consequences. A stich in time, they say, saves nine.

” Arrangements are also on top gear to do the needful and adeaquately prepare for the success of the forthcoming dry season farming. ”

By Aisha Hameed