The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining dredging and debris clearance on River Kaduna and its waterways to minimise flood risks across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abubakar Buba, made this known on Wednesday during an assessment tour of ongoing dredging and desilting works.
The exercise was conducted in collaboration with officials of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project and the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA).
Buba explained that the visit was aimed at reinforcing and realigning the government’s flood management strategy, as well as assessing communities along the riverbanks that remain vulnerable despite ongoing interventions.
Kaduna gov’t commends partners
He commended the support of key partners, including ACReSAL, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
According to him, these agencies have contributed to desilting drainage systems, clearing river channels, and enhancing the state’s preparedness for the rainy season.
“The initiative reflects Governor Uba Sani’s administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, particularly in flood-prone areas,” the commissioner stressed.
Despite the interventions, recent torrential rainfall displaced 545 households and damaged 171 houses in communities within Kaduna North Local Government Area.
