Northern senators seek permanent solution to Niger flooding

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Northern senators have called on the Federal and Niger State governments to adopt a permanent solution to recurring flooding in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, warning that continued reliance on emergency relief measures would leave communities vulnerable to repeated disasters.

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The senators, under the aegis of the Northern Senators’ Forum, made the demand on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central.

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They specifically called for the development and implementation of a Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan to provide a coordinated and long-term response to flooding in the area.

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According to the senators, the proposed master plan should include a scientifically determined flood-buffer operating strategy for the Shiroro, Kainji and Jebba dams, as well as a permanent flood forecasting and early-warning system supported by trained local volunteers downstream.

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They also called for a comprehensive floodplain resettlement programme that would provide planned settlements, compensation and livelihood support for people living in areas repeatedly affected by flooding.

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The lawmakers further demanded an independent technical review of dam operations, reservoir capacity and spillway performance in light of changing climate conditions.

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They said the review should help determine how water releases from the dams could be managed in a way that reduces the risk of flooding downstream while maintaining the operational requirements of the facilities.

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The senators said the recurring flooding in Shiroro and other riverine communities “requires a shift from reactive emergency interventions to long-term planning and preventive measures.”

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They commended the National Emergency Management Agency for its interventions and the provision of relief materials to victims but expressed concern that flooding had continued to follow a recurring pattern in the area.

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The forum said immediate measures were also necessary as communities faced the peak of the rainy season.

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“Short-term measures must therefore be activated immediately. We urge the Federal and State Governments, in collaboration with local authorities, to ensure timely distribution of relief materials to verified victims, provide temporary shelters with basic health and sanitation services, and deploy emergency evacuation and early-warning teams in all flood-prone areas before the peak of the rainy season.

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“Communities must also be sensitised to heed safety advisories and avoid building on water channels,” the senators said.

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They stressed that emergency relief alone could not address the underlying causes of the recurring disaster, particularly in communities located downstream of major dams and along floodplains.

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The lawmakers said the proposed master plan should bring together relevant federal and state agencies, dam operators, local authorities, technical experts and affected communities to develop a coordinated flood management framework.

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They also called for the use of reliable hydrological and meteorological data to improve flood prediction and enable communities to receive sufficient warning before dangerous water levels are reached.

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