Expert : Proper planning, waste management key to flood prevention in South-South Nigeria

Environmental experts across the South-South region of Nigeria have emphasized that effective urban planning and diligent waste management are crucial for mitigating the persistent threat of flooding in the area.

These experts, drawn from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, shared their insights in response to a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on strategies to lessen the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities.

They consistently stressed that improved town planning is indispensable in addressing ecological challenges, including flooding.They maintained that to curb flooding in Nigeria, there must be improved town planning as its importance in any ecological situation cannot be over-emphasised.”

The respondents further asserted that comprehensive public education on hydrography, responsible waste management practices, and a significant shift in residents’ attitudes towards waste disposal would substantially contribute to reducing the impact of floods.

Dr. Joel Effiong, a Hydrological and Geographical Information System expert at the University of Calabar (UniCal), pointed out that urban areas experience more severe flooding due to inadequate town planning.

He explained that the widespread construction of houses with completely concrete premises exacerbates water runoff, preventing natural absorption into the soil and directly contributing to flooding and gully erosion.

Dr. Effiong urged governments to not only approve building plans but also to regulate development to ensure sufficient permeable spaces for water infiltration.

Similarly, Prof. Eze Bassey, from the Department of Geography at UniCal, advocated for continuous study and reference to the state’s hydrograph to provide timely warnings to residents before and after rainfall.

He also stressed the necessity of regular maintenance for the major drainage channels in Calabar, responsible for channeling a significant portion of rainwater into rivers.

Prof. Bassey argued that drain maintenance should not solely be a government responsibility but should involve active participation from every community within the state.

Mr. Moses Osogi, the Commissioner for Environment in Cross River, stated that the state government has already initiated the desilting of drains and is actively raising awareness about necessary lifestyle changes.

He added that the state, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has distributed numerous waste receptacle bins in urban areas to promote proper waste disposal.

Furthermore, a standing taskforce has been established to apprehend and prosecute individuals engaged in improper waste disposal through mobile courts. The taskforce is also targeting scavengers who scatter waste from bins, leading to blockage of drainage systems.

In Rivers State, Mr. Benson Abu, the National Publicity Secretary of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), reported that the society has conducted extensive enlightenment campaigns.

He attributed over 60% of flooding cases in Port Harcourt and its environs to poor waste management practices. Mr. Abu emphasized the importance of proper waste collection, recycling, and the appropriate handling of plastic waste, which he identified as a major contributor to the congestion of drainages and waterways.

He urged Rivers residents to maintain clear water channels by avoiding the dumping of refuse into drains and ensuring clean surroundings.

Mr. Atajit Francis, the Sole Administrator of Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers, stated that the council has renewed focus on sanitation awareness at the grassroots level, aligning with the mandates given to local government administrators.

He emphasized that holistic sanitation efforts would address both disease prevention and flood mitigation, announcing the resumption of compulsory monthly environmental sanitation exercises to ensure the desilting of drainages and waterways.

Environmentalist Mr. Kentebe Ebiaridor underscored the critical role of town planning in mitigating floods and reducing their impact. He urged governments to prioritize proper town planning in cities and communities to prevent construction in flood-prone areas.

Mr. Ebiaridor explained that effective town planning promotes the use of floodplains for natural ecosystems, which act as natural flood buffers, and ensures the strategic placement of wetlands, agricultural areas, and drainage systems.

He warned that without proper town planning, infrastructure development, including roads, buildings, and bridges, would be flawed and vulnerable to flooding, rendering emergency responses less effective.

He concluded that proper town planning can effectively manage river basins, support groundwater recharge, and decrease surface runoff, significantly mitigating flooding in most Nigerian cities and states. 

In Akwa Ibom State, Town Planner Akpabio Ufot-Akpabio stressed the necessity of adequate town or physical planning, management, and development to mitigate flooding.

He criticized the continued use of obsolete colonial town planning laws in some states and called on all levels of government to prioritize a robust town planning system. Mr. Ufot-Akpabio noted that despite warnings from NiMet (Nigerian Meteorological Agency), some states are still failing to adequately plan for potential flooding.

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He attributed a significant portion of the country’s flooding issues to inadequate planning and the failure of many states to domesticate modern planning laws, still relying on outdated British colonial legislation.

He observed that in Akwa Ibom, the continued use of colonial planning laws has resulted in indiscriminate building and poor construction patterns.

Mr. Aniekan Umanah, the Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom, stated that the state government has already initiated the desilting of drains and approved the construction of new streets and side drains to alleviate flooding.

He also highlighted a partnership with the Federal Government to implement early warning systems, community engagement, and capacity-building programs.

Furthermore, the governor has directed the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) to ensure thorough desilting of drains across the metropolis.

Mr. Umanah also mentioned infrastructure projects like the Nkari Dam, which will aid in irrigation, water supply, and flood control, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing flooding. 

Finally, Dr. Charles Effiong identified the attitudes of residents across Nigeria as a significant contributing factor to flooding. He argued that even with adequate town planning, a change in the behavior of Nigerians, particularly regarding waste disposal, is essential.

He called for an end to the practice of dumping waste into drains and urged state governments to sensitize residents on proper waste disposal and the importance of desilting drains, especially during the rainy season.

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