Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has said that the destructions caused by flood in the state is not only caused by the failure of the Alau Dam, but also the unlawful construction of homes on water channels.
He said this while inspecting some areas in the state capital Maiduguri, which were most hit by the flood disaster.
Zulum pointed out several houses that have been built directly inside the river and stream beds, which he believes has worsened the flood’s impact.
”This flood destruction wasn’t just caused by the failure of the Alau Dam alone. Many of the places destroyed, as you can see, are not just on the riverbank but actually within the stream itself,” he said.
”Look at this particular house, it’s inside the river, and so are many others,” he added while inspecting some of the houses destroyed by the flood.
However, Governor Zulum has vowed to take action to prevent future occurrence of flood in the state.
The devastating September floods has submerged large parts of Maiduguri, Jere and Konduga local government areas of Borno.
Essential infrastructures such as hospitals, markets, schools, police stations and barracks, and thousands of homes were affected by the flood disaster.
The governor explained that tougher regulations would be enforced to prevent further construction in flood-prone areas.
He stated that the government would impose restrictions on building in waterways and demolish existing structures that pose a risk.
”We cannot sacrifice the whole of Maiduguri just to please less than ten thousand people.
”The government will impose regulations to stop anyone from building houses on waterways, and we will also demolish those that have not been carried away by the flood,” he explained.
Foreseeing such incidents, Zulum recalled that his administration had attempted to clear and prevent such illegal structures but many took it personal and sabotaged the government efforts.
The governor called for patience and cooperation from the public as the government moves forward with preventive measures.
While the destruction was beyond the state’s control, Zulum noted that efforts were underway to seek assistance from the federal government and other development partners to minimize the impact of destruction caused by the flood.
‘I appeal to the general public to be patient and cooperate with the government. The destruction is beyond the Borno State government, but we have reached out to the federal government as well as the North East Development Commission for support.’
Some of the critically affected areas in the city, includes; University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the State Specialist Hospital, Monday Market, Gomboru Cattle Market, Kasuwan Gwoza, 505 Housing Estate, Muna Community, Moromoro Market, Gwange, Galtimari, Fori, Lagos Street, Custome Area, and other communities.
