Flood Preparedness: PEPSA clears drains in Jos-Bukuru metropolis

The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency ( PEPSA), says it has cleared drains in Jos -Bukuru metropolis to forestall flooding as the rainy season sets in.

The Director-General (D-G) of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya, stated this in an interview with newsmen, on Monday in Jos.

Dapiya, said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that the drains in the metropolis were desilted and cleared of any waste.

He said the agency had covered a 115 road distance in the exercise.

The D-G, further said that the agency also carried out a sensitisation campaign in the metropolis to sensitise the public on the ills of dumping wastes in drains and on building along waterways. which could obstruct free flow of water and consequently lead to flooding.

Dapiya said the exercise, apart from averting flooding, would also help in tackling health challenges posed by blocked drains.

” This blocked drains apart from preventing the free flow of water which could lead to flooding, serve as breeding sites for vectors and rodents that cause diseases to humans.

“This exercise is an effort to create a clean and healthier environment for the populace,” he said.

Dapiya said the agency commenced the exercise prior to the warning by the Federal Government, of impending flooding in some states in Nigeria during the rainy season.

He called on the public to desist from disposing waste in drains as it could cause so much havoc.

He further advised residents to ensure proper disposal of waste in dino-bins at designated dump sites .

The D-G further cautioned against the erection of structures along waterways, which he said was highly risky for the occupants and the community at large.