An environmentalist, Mr Emmanuel Emechete has harped on the need for Nigerians to clear clogged drains and canals ahead of the rains to prevent flooding.
Emechete, who is also a climate change advocate, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said citizens should not solely depend on governments but to also ensure they clear their drainage and waste water channels.
“The issue of flooding is closely related to the issue of blocked drainage channels and canals; what Nigerians in the urban area should do is to take up the responsibilities of clearing their drains.
“The major causes of flooding in the urban areas in Nigeria are blocked drains and canals.
“Flooding is not necessarily caused by the rains but by clogged drains; if there is a right channel for the waters to go through, we will not have the issue of flooding in the urban areas.
“Areas in the urban centres without proper drainage channels, should be created and those with blocked channels should clear it by removing waste elements.’’
The environmentalist stated that most waste elements found in drains are usually plastic wastes of which are common in urban areas like Lagos state.
“It may not be the statutory responsibility of residents to clear their drains themselves but it is important they clear their drains because they are the first victims of flooding.
“Not neglecting the place of the government, private individuals should first take the initiative and measures to avert flooding and in cases beyond them, they could call on the local government for help,” he said.
Emechete called on the government to make climate-change and environmental issues priority to forestall environmental hazards.
“Owing to the electioneering period, most governments have channeled their resources toward campaigning and environmental issues are not in the front burner for now.
“Hence, it is necessary individuals take the prerogative of clearing their drains to avoid flooding as the rainy season fast approaches.
“Originally, the government does not place so much emphasis on climate change issues not to talk of during the campaign periods.
“I appeal to the government to invest more in environmental and waste management issues; we do not have to wait until there is a flooding or environmental hazard before taking precautionary measures,’’ he said.
Emechete said that government could put some working policies and structures in place to help prevent re-occurrence of environmental hazards.
“These policies should be backed with actions to mitigate climate change issues that we face especially flooding.’’ (NAN)
