Floodplain Mismanagement Responsible for Flooding, Says CORBON
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria has urged immediate action to address floodplain mismanagement, which is contributing to devastating flooding across the country. Chairman Dr. Samson Opaluwah emphasized the need for the government to adopt annual flood-prevention programs and better utilize Nigeria’s major rivers, Niger and Benue, as economic assets.
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has recently highlighted the urgent need for action to turn Nigeria’s rivers from a liability into an economic boon. Dr. Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the council, pointed out that mismanagement of floodplains is a significant factor behind the ongoing floods that plague many parts of the country.
During a recent interview, Opaluwah expressed his dismay at the ongoing devastation from seasonal floods, particularly in vulnerable riverine areas. He offered heartfelt condolences to those affected, particularly referring to the recent tragedy in Mokwa, Niger State, where over 150 lives were lost due to flooding. “Floodplains’ mismanagement is responsible for flooding. We pray that God will comfort the families of the bereaved and provide succor and replacement for those who have lost essential items, real estate, and livelihoods,” he said.
The CORBON chairman implored both governmental bodies and citizens to rally around victims of flooding. He emphasized, “Every nation prepares for the climatic situation that they find themselves in on an ongoing basis. Nigeria’s predictable rainy and harmattan seasons should compel federal, state, and local governments to adopt annual flood-prevention programmes.”
Addressing the broader effects of climate change, he called on Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment and climate change agencies to increase their efforts. He pointed out that Nigeria possesses the professionals and knowledge necessary to tackle this issue proactively.
While acknowledging the government’s emergency management initiatives, Opaluwah stressed that merely reacting to disasters is insufficient. “They have to be supported, funded, and appropriately manned for them to be responsive. We should, however, focus on the preventive,” he noted.
As he turned his attention to Nigeria’s geography, Opaluwah lamented the lack of exploitation of the country’s two major rivers—Niger and Benue. He remarked, “Nigeria is blessed to have two major geographical features as large rivers. We are supposed to use them to our advantage. Nigeria is not tapping the resources or adequately using these large bodies of water, and that is why they have continued to be burdens to us rather than an advantage.”
He proposed a comprehensive economic development strategy centered around these rivers, suggesting that maritime activities, tourism, manufacturing, and international investment should be integrated. “Many of the governments along these river courses and even the federal government have not considered these major natural endowments as something to be appreciated, tapped, and harnessed,” he stated.
Opaluwah raised alarms about the extensive construction occurring along floodplains, noting that many buildings are cropping up in inappropriate locations. “Whenever there is rainfall, the body of water will claim where it is supposed to flow through or remove anything in its path,” he explained.
He urged for stricter enforcement from urban planning authorities to ensure that flood mitigation measures are included in development plans. “They are also supposed to provide for designs that will mitigate these sorts of occurrences constantly in our society,” added Opaluwah.
He also called upon the Ecological Fund Office to take more decisive action to address these issues. CORBON has offered its expertise to any government ready to implement practical, lasting solutions to the crisis. “Buildings in the floodplains are either protected or they should be removed. That is the permanent solution for these perennial incidents. The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria will be available to support any government that calls on us in providing these solutions,” he concluded.
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria is calling for immediate attention to the mismanagement of floodplains, which has caused devastating floods across the nation. Dr. Opaluwah’s advocacy for transforming Nigeria’s rivers into economic assets highlights a critical need for proactive measures and the enforcement of stricter urban planning regulations. By harnessing the natural resources effectively and focusing on preventive strategies, the country can mitigate flooding and transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth.
Original Source: punchng.com
