In anticipation of heavy rains and potential flooding, the Kaduna state government has commenced dredging and expansion of major waterways in identified flood-prone areas.

The move follows early flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which had listed Kaduna among states likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, flash floods, erosion, and strong winds during the rainy season.

During an inspection of ongoing dredging activities at Ifira, along the Kaduna International Airport road in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), the state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, said the government had mapped out vulnerable locations and was taking proactive steps to prevent disasters.

“This entire place was blocked before, but we have opened up about 800 meters of the river to ease water flow and prevent the kind of disaster that happened here last year. This is a busy route leading to the airport, and we cannot afford any disruption,” he said.

He assured residents that, with the measures in place, the state was aiming for a flood-free season.

He warned, however, that residents must stop dumping refuse in drainage channels and water bodies.

According to him, mobile court, had been set up under the Kaduna Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA) to prosecute defaulters.

The dredging exercise is being supervised by multiple agencies including the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Ministry of Environment, National Orientation Agency (NOA), and others.

Flood-prone areas within the state include parts of Zaria, Kafanchan, and sections of the metropolis.

The commissioner also visited a bridge linking Kaduna metropolis to the airport — a critical infrastructure previously threatened by flood.

“Government is doing everything humanly possible to avoid disasters this year,” he said.

Engineer Sanjay Sharma, manager of Sun-Agro Soya Oil Refining Company, which operates in the area, praised the state’s swift response. 

“Last year, the flooding was devastating and many farmers lost their produce. We commend the government for this early intervention,” he said.

Traditional leader of Ifira, Malam Balarabe Abubakar, echoed the sentiments, noting that farmlands were routinely washed away in previous years.

“This dredging project will bring relief to our farmers. We expect better yields,” he said.

Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer of NEMA, Ikramat Umar Mohd, also lauded the preventive approach. 

“This bridge is a critical asset, and one of the best ways to manage disasters is to prevent them before they occur,” he said.