{"id":2251,"date":"2013-04-16T20:41:25","date_gmt":"2013-04-16T20:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/disnaija.com\/nigeria-news\/now-that-the-rain-is-here\/"},"modified":"2013-04-16T20:41:25","modified_gmt":"2013-04-16T20:41:25","slug":"now-that-the-rain-is-here","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disnaija.com\/now-that-the-rain-is-here\/","title":{"rendered":"Now That The Rain Is Here"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Ayo Afuwape<\/em><\/p>\n

Several forecasts had been made by different authorities about the intensity of rain that would be experienced in various states across the country and the likely hazards that the rains may cause if necessary measures are not put in place to curtail its devastating effect as was the case last year. The Director-General of NIMET, Anthony Anuforom, had predicted that, based on prevalent conditions, what happened last year might just be a child\u2019s play compared to what lies ahead. But this can very well be mitigated if the right steps are taken to avoid being caught unawares. Also, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, warned residents of the state to prepare for at least 236 days of heavy rainfall this year. This is not to say that rain will not be heavy in other states. It behoves on farmers and citizens at large to plan their lives based on the available information. While much emphasis had been on the need for governments at all levels to ensure an all year drainage clearing programme and de-silting of existing canals to tackle this perennial surge, little or no mention has been made about the expected behaviour on the part of the citizens that are capable of thwarting the efforts of government.<\/p>\n

Partly, last year\u2019s floods were caused by people who live in unauthorised areas thereby exposing themselves to severe danger. Those living in shanties with no structured plans for their various houses, no anticipated drainage channels and several other environmental nuisances cause these disasters. The unhealthy lifestyle of these category of people do not only pose a threat to their own lives but to others living within their suburbs. This in effect wrongly portrays the government as not being vigilant or proactive enough.<\/p>\n

While the Lagos State Government is making a giant stride in this regard, an array of criticisms is following its action with an opposition party claiming that the government\u2019s action had a political undertone. Amidst this, Lagos State Government has maintained that it is the duty of the government to provide security of life and property for its citizens; the slum dwellers inclusive.<\/p>\n

One of the most recent flood control measures by the Lagos State Government is the provision of maps showing the topography of lands in the state to all the chairmen of the 57 local governments and local council development areas in the state. This, the state government said, would enable the council authorities to have an idea of likely areas that could be flooded and prepare an emergency action plan. This is highly commendable.<\/p>\n

It should also be noted that the effect of climate change, torrential rainfalls, resulting in floods, may, henceforth be a regular occurrence. Many parts of the world have experienced flooding and a rising level of water in oceans and rivers. The climate change has led to rising temperatures or global warming, resulting in the melting of the Polar Regions, Nigeria not being an exception.<\/p>\n

Going by the foregoing phenomenon, Nigerians must change their poor habit of erecting structures without due concern about the safety of their environment (.i.e. compliance with building regulations), desist from the habit of turning drainage into dumps and building houses in places where they end up disrupting the natural course of water, (.i.e. proper waste disposal), embrace alternative energy use and pay necessary attention to sanitation issues.<\/p>\n

Besides, the presence of manholes on roads which are meant to provide access to underground pipes and wires, when left uncovered, could pose a serious danger to pedestrians when roads are flooded during the rainy season. People have been known to drown after falling into those holes. It is therefore important to have them covered, especially for the safety of people this season.<\/p>\n

The unprecedented flooding of last year, following an unusually high volume of rainfall, took many by surprise, not because there were no forecasts about what was to come, but essentially because the forecasts were not heeded. A repeat of this experience could be avoided if government on its part plays its role and Nigerians on the other hand complement government\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\n

Most importantly, all stakeholders must ensure that all humanly-induced activities that aid flooding are stopped because any effort from the government would be futile if the desired behavioural change is not imbibed by its citizenry. This is a clarion call to all and sundry.<\/p>\n

\u2022Afuwape wrote from Badagry, Lagos. e-mail: ayomiafuwape@gmail.com<\/em><\/p>\n

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