…says prevention is better than cure
Hope James
The Ekiti State Government, has warned building developers in the State against building on drainages and canals.
The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, while distributing cash and relief materials to rainstorm victims in Oke-Ako and Ijesa Isu Ekiti, said the promptness with which Governor Biodun Oyebanji responded to the victims , confirmed how passionate he was to the wellbeing of Ekiti citizens.
Afuye noted that the warning was to avert incidences of flooding in Ekiti State in line with the warning handed down by Nigerian Meteriological Agency (NIMET).
Materials distributed at the programme co-financed by the government and the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) are: Roofing planks, corrugated sheets, roofing nails, and consumables like rice, beans, garri, among others.
Mrs Afuye further stressed that only those who had rehabilitated their buildings before the presentation would receive cash, while others will receive relief materials to rebuild their structures.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the materials, while appealing to developers to embrace tree planting and compliance with the urban renewal policies of Ekiti State government to avert future calamity of this nature.
“By the coming of rain in the year, some of our people fell victim of rainstorm and floods. Roofs of some buildings were either completely or partially blown off, while some collapsed. Citizens and residents suffered the ugly effects of these natural disasters in varying degrees.
“As a responsible and responsive government, Governor Oyebanji approved fund to purchase relief materials to provide succour to victims of these disasters. It is believed that the distribution will help in ameliorating their sufferings.
“This phase of distribution is targeted at victims of rainstorm in Oke Ako in Ajoni Local Council Development Area and Ijesa Isu in Kajola LCDA.
“May I seize this opportunity to sympathise with the victims, who are the direct beneficiaries of today’s event. I equally advise the citizens of this state to put in place measures that will reduce incidences of flooding and rainstorm in our environment.
“You should avoid building on drainages , close to streams and rivers. Clear your drainages always and encourage planting of trees to serve as wind breakers . It is often said that prevention is better and cheaper than cure.
“I appreciate Governor Oyebanji for providing the required fund needed to provide these materials and the federal government through NEMA for providing the food items.”
See pictures below:
