News
Flooding: Plateau govt expands waterways, clears drainage systems
The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has intensified efforts towards clearing drainage systems and expanding waterways across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to avert urban flooding.
The Director-General of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya, said on Monday that the intervention followed recurring flash floods caused largely by blocked drainage channels resulting from indiscriminate waste disposal.
According to him, although heavy rainfalls are seasonal, many flooding incidents in the metropolis were worsened by human activities that obstruct the free flow of rainwater.
Mr Dapiya said the agency had desilted and cleared drainage channels from Miango junction to Educare Private School to improve water flow and minimise flooding.
He added that the agency would continue to monitor the affected areas after subsequent rainfall to determine whether additional engineering or environmental measures would be required.
The PEPSA boss also said personnel and equipment had been deployed to Lugard Road by UTC, where a blocked culvert had forced floodwater onto the road, causing traffic congestion and posing risks to motorists, businesses and other road users.
He attributed the blockage to indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels by residents, motorists and business owners.
“Our assessment revealed that plastic bottles, nylon materials, food waste, cartons and other refuse accumulated in the culvert over time, preventing the free flow of water,” he said.
Mr Dapiya said blocked drainage systems often resulted in flooded roads, damaged homes and businesses, destruction of public infrastructure, traffic disruption, environmental pollution and increased public health risks.
He noted that clearing blocked drainage channels required significant public resources that could otherwise be channelled into development projects.
The DG urged residents to dispose of waste only at designated collection points and refrain from dumping refuse into drainage systems, culverts, waterways and open spaces.
He also called on members of the public to report anyone found disposing of refuse in drainage channels or other unauthorised locations to PEPSA or the relevant authorities.
Mr Dapiya reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment through sustained environmental sanitation and flood-prevention measures.
He stressed that effective environmental protection required the collective efforts of government and residents.
“Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. By disposing of waste properly, residents can help reduce flooding, protect public infrastructure and promote a cleaner and healthier Plateau,” he said.
(NAN)
Enyimba FC returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Wednesday after defeating visiting Shooting Stars 4-2 in an entertaining EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 2 rescheduled fixture at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
Sports247 reports that the People’s Elephant produced an impressive attacking display to claim maximum points, scoring four times before the visitors mounted a late fightback with two goals in the closing stages.
Enyimba wasted little time taking control of the encounter, with Richard Ezinna opening the scoring in the seventh minute to give the hosts an early advantage.
The home side continued to press forward and doubled their lead in the 29th minute through Damian Chibueze, putting Shooting Stars under increasing pressure.
The visitors struggled to contain Enyimba’s attacking momentum, and the Aba side added a third goal just seven minutes later.
Idris Abubakar found the back of the net in the 36th minute as Enyimba went into the interval with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Shooting Stars needed a strong response after the restart, but Enyimba struck again almost immediately.
Ifeanyi Ihemekwele extended the hosts’ lead in the 49th minute, making it 4-0 and putting Enyimba firmly in control of proceedings.
With a four-goal cushion, the hosts appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory, but Shooting Stars refused to surrender completely.
The Oluyole Warriors eventually found a breakthrough in the 76th minute when Mustapha Adams Agba’a reduced the deficit, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.
Shooting Stars then added another goal deep into stoppage time, with Johnmark Aule scoring in the 91st minute to make it 4-2.
However, the late rally was not enough to prevent Enyimba from securing all three points.
The victory provides a significant boost for the Aba giants following a difficult start to their NPFL campaign. Enyimba’s four-goal performance also offered a much-needed attacking statement, with four different players finding the net.
For Shooting Stars, the defeat means they leave Aba empty-handed despite their late effort to reduce the deficit.
Enyimba will now look to build on the victory and use the result as a springboard for improved consistency as the NPFL season continues.
The rescheduled Matchday 2 fixture ultimately delivered a six-goal spectacle, but it was Enyimba who had the final say, roaring back to winning ways in front of their home supporters.
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