The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Thursday, blamed those who built houses on the river banks for obstructing the passage of water from river Ngada, which was destroyed by the recent flood.
Zulum conducted an assessment of some vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hospitals damaged by the flood disaster that struck Maiduguri metropolis and the surrounding local government areas.
The tour included critical government-owned facilities like the Gwange Maternity Hospital, road networks and Fori, Moro-Moro markets, and Gwange bridges.
He said, “The destruction was enormous; you can see we had just visited one place; it is very unfortunate that some people choose to build houses right inside the waterways which obstructed the water passage. Otherwise, the water could have passed onto the lowland without affecting the main city.
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“Despite several warnings, many residents continued to build in high-risk areas, leading to over 70% of Maiduguri being submerged.
“We will not forfeit the lives and properties of the entire people of Borno just for a few individuals. I want to instruct the Borno State Ministry of Works and Housing, the Borno State Information Geographic System, the flood committee, the police, the DSS, and other relevant security agencies not to allow anyone to build within the waterways.
“People build right inside the waterways. We shall constitute a committee to review these constructions. The committee will recommend appropriate measures to the Federal Government, and we will ensure that those who built within the waterways should not be allowed to rebuild.”The devastating September 10 flood, described as the worst in Maiduguri in over three decades, has caused damage, displaced communities, and hindered the movement of essential goods.
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