Yobe State Launches Massive Drainage Evacuation, Fumigation Drive to Prevent Flooding in Potiskum
In a proactive move to combat potential flooding and health hazards, the Yobe State Government has initiated a large-scale evacuation of drainages and targeted fumigation of communities in the Potiskum local government area of the state.
This decisive action follows an alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) warning of impending floods in the Northeast region.
The Chairman of the Ministry of Environment Evacuation Committee (MEEC), Mohammed Yunusa, spearheaded the commencement of the refuse evacuation exercise on Tuesday.
He emphasised the critical need to clear the blocked drainages to prevent flooding and to conduct extensive fumigation to curb mosquito bites and malaria.
“The blocked drainages have to be evacuated, including the fumigation and spraying to control mosquito bites and malaria,” Yunusa stated.
He said the exercise had a exercise had a dual purpose. The initiative aims not only to mitigate the risk of flooding but also to enhance environmental health and hygiene by reducing pollution and preventing the spread of water-borne diseases.
The evacuation and fumigation efforts are designed to ensure that all blocked drains are cleared and treated with insecticides and pesticides. This approach is expected to significantly diminish the prevalence of malaria and other diseases associated with poor sanitation and stagnant water.
In addition to the immediate benefits of flood prevention and disease control, Yunusa pointed out that the exercises would contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for the residents of Potiskum.
He said that a dedicated monitoring team has been established to enforce compliance with updated sanitation regulations and to prevent the dumping of refuse into water channels.
“The environmental and sanitation exercises are to justify the government’s efforts in the control of flooding, malaria, and other water-borne diseases,” Yunusa explained.
“We aim to achieve absolute cleanliness in Potiskum township, including its streets and drainage facilities.”
This comprehensive initiative underscores the Yobe State Government’s commitment to safeguarding its communities from natural and health-related hazards through proactive and sustained environmental management efforts.
