Kano residents urge prompt drainage clearance to avert flooding

Residents of Baban Gwari in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State have called on the state government to urgently intensify drainage clearance efforts to avert possible flooding as the rainy season sets in.

The appeal follows years of recurring floods in the area, particularly around the Katsina Road Roundabout, which residents say poses a serious threat during the peak rainy months of July to September.

“We’ve been battling flooding here for years, and it gets worse during the peak rainy season,” said Habu Abba, a resident of Baban Gwari.

“The government needs to act swiftly on the drainage clearance it recently initiated.”

Another resident, Anthony Bitrus, whose house is close to the Katsina Road Roundabout, noted that past administrations showed little concern for the area’s flood challenges.

“We hope the current government will be different and ensure the work continues with seriousness,” he said.

In Rijiyar Zaki, another resident, Abdullahi Musa, warned that flooding might worsen due to indiscriminate dumping of refuse into existing drainage channels.

“The drainage systems are either blocked or completely misused. Without urgent intervention, we may face a disaster this year,” he said.

Responding to the concerns, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Environment, Murtala Shehu, said the government had already flagged off the annual drainage clearance at the Baban Gwari Roundabout last Friday.

Shehu explained that the exercise, a proactive step towards flood prevention, is aimed at clearing waterways and promoting environmental safety in Kano’s urban areas.

He emphasized that the project is a reflection of the government’s commitment to sustainable environmental management and urban resilience.

The Baban Gwari area and its surroundings, including Katsina Road, have long suffered from flood-related issues, affecting residents’ health, safety, and daily movement.