From HASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has advised residents of Maiduguri to desist from dumping refuse into drainages.
He advised those residing in flood-prone areas against dumping refuse into the drainages in front of their houses and those who are in the habit of building on waterways to desist from doing so.
“Most importantly, I want to warn the people of this state to desist from building on waterways and they should be very careful”, he said.
He urged residents to be law abiding, saying “if you have drainage in front of your house, you have to make sure you clean it all the time.”
The governor made these known shortly after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction work at Alau Dam, near Maiduguri.
Zulum had allayed fear over the rising level of water at Alau Dam, noting that there is no cause for alarm.
There has been widespread fear of flood and anxiety among residents of Maiduguri, following the recent downpour.
He said the widespread panic in Maiduguri was also serious concern to his administration, but insisted that there is no cause for alarm.
He noted that new channels have been opened up and the water is running, saying the level of water in Alau Dam has dropped about four inches within the last few days and the volume would continue to drop.
“As at now, based on our engineering knowledge, there is no cause for alarm.
“However, nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, we are working and shall continue to monitor this programme. The contractor is doing a good job,” he said.
Zulum said his administration is going to look at the whole master plan and see where distortions are being made with a view to rectify all abnormalities.
“But we must go back to the drawing board, look at the master plan and ensure that all tributaries and waterways are cleared so as to allow inflow of water to the main canal.
“We must enforce certain environmental standards, which is very painful but I believe we have no option,” Zulum said.
He said the delay was due to some technical procedures, but assured the public that the contractors had resumed fully.
