From Abubakar Abdullahi, in Lafia
Following the recent prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet) that 31 states including Nasarawa would experience flooding in 2024, the Nasarawa State Government had directed residents to relocate from flood prone areas to safer locations.
Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Garba Rosha made the disclosure to newsmen on Saturday in Lafia after the monthly sanitation exercise in the state.
Last Saturday of every month was set aside for sanitation exercise to ensure that residents clean their environments.
The Permanent Secretary said government had set up a taskforce that is responsible for sensitising the people from the affected areas to let them know that the decision is in the best interest of the public.
He also said that the government had commenced evacuation of drainages in Lafia the state capital to ensure the free flow of water during and after the raining season.
He explained that Environment Ministry was working with the Chairmen of Local Government Areas to replicate similar exercise at the local government level.
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 which he said such habit would ensure hygienic and healthy environment.
Citizenship Daily observed that shops and business areas were temporary closed during the exercise, but people on essential services were allowed to move around and carry out their different activities.
Meanwhile, 122 persons were apprehended in the state for alleged violations of environmental sanitation laws.
The defaulters were caught transacting thier businesses and driving around during the sanitation hours.
