By Hussaina Yakubu

The Kaduna State Government has intensified dredging and expansion of waterways in flood-prone areas, as part of efforts to avert the devastation caused by last year’s flooding.

This followed early warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Kaduna among the states expected to experience heavy rainfall, flash floods, and windstorms during the 2025 rainy season.

During an inspection of dredging works at Ifira, along the Kaduna International Airport Road in Igabi Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, said several vulnerable locations had been identified and marked for urgent intervention.

“This entire place was blocked before, but we have now opened up about 800 metres of the river channel.

“It will ease water flow and help prevent a repeat of last year’s disaster,” Buba said.

He stated that the road was a key access route to the Kaduna International Airport and must remain passable throughout the season.

Buba assured the residents of the government’s resolve to ensure a flood-free rainy season but cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage systems.

He disclosed that a Mobile Court under the Kaduna Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA) had been set up to prosecute individuals found dumping waste into waterways.

The commissioner said the dredging was being jointly supervised by the Ministry, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other stakeholders.

Other flood-prone areas marked for similar intervention included parts of Zaria, Kafanchan, and some sections of the state capital.

At the bridge linking Kaduna metropolis to the airport, an area previously threatened by erosion, Buba reiterated government’s commitment.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to avoid flood disasters this year,” he said.

Mr Sanjay Sharma, Manager of Sun-Agro Soya Oil Refining Company located in the area, described the effort as timely and commendable.

“Last year’s flood was devastating. Many farmers lost their produce. This early intervention by the government is a huge relief,” Sharma said.

Also speaking, the Village Head of Ifira, Malam Balarabe Abubakar, said the dredging would safeguard local farmland and prevent loss of harvest.

“Our farmlands used to be washed away annually. This project will definitely protect our crops,” he said.

The Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer at NEMA, Ikramat Umar, commended Kaduna’s proactive approach.

“This bridge is a critical infrastructure. One of the best ways to manage disasters is to prevent them before they happen,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani