From Daniel Abel, Lafia
Following recent prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet) that 31 states including Nasarawa State would experience flooding in 2024, the State Government is set to relocate residents from flood prone areas.
Permanent Secretary (PS) of the ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Ahj. Garba Mohammed, made the disclosure to newsmen in Lafia after the May sanitation exercise on Saturday.
According to him, the government has set up a taskforce that is responsible for sensitising the people in the affected areas to know that the decision is in their best interest.
He equally indicated that the government has since commenced evacuation of drains in Lafia, the state capital to ensure free flow of water.
He said they were working with the Chairman of Local Government Areas to replicate similar exercise at the local government levels.
On the level of compliance with the sanitation exercise, the permanent secretary expressed satisfaction with the residents for cleaning their houses, shops as well as their environments during the period of the exercise.
He added that shops and business environments were temporary closed during the exercise, but explained that only those on essential services were allowed to move around.
He therefore called on members of the public to always keep their environments clean to guard against the outbreaks of diseases.
Meanwhile, 122 persons were apprehended in the state for alleged violations of environmental sanitation laws, Dr Abubakar Mohammed, Chief Prosecuting Officer of sanitation Court had said.
Mohammed who is also the Director, Enforcement and Compliance, Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, said the defaulters were caught transacting thier businesses and driving around during the sanitation hours