The Federal Government has advised Nigerians to be cautious of the water they consume to prevent the spread of waterborne and communicable diseases, especially in flood-affected areas.
This warning came from the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, during a press briefing in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev highlighted that the recent flooding in several regions may have led to water contamination, making it critical for citizens to be mindful of their water sources.
He expressed sympathy for those affected by the floods, particularly in Borno State, where millions have been impacted.
To address the situation, a technical team from the ministry, along with other agencies, has been deployed to assess the damage and recommend long-term solutions.
The Minister emphasized the importance of safe water consumption to avoid outbreaks of diseases, warning that contaminated water could exacerbate health risks in the aftermath of the floods.
In response to rumors about the Alau Dam in Borno State, Prof. Utsev clarified that the dam has not collapsed, as widely reported in the media.
He explained that the flooding in Maiduguri and surrounding areas was caused by an overflow of water from the Alau Dam, which was overwhelmed by the massive inflow from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of River Yedzaram.
A team of experts from various agencies, including the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), is currently on-site at the Alau Dam to assess the extent of the flooding and provide recommendations.
Similar assessments have been carried out in other flood-affected states like Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kebbi, with actions already being taken based on the findings.
The Minister called on state governments and relevant stakeholders to heed the ministry’s early flood warnings and take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of future floods.
He urged authorities to implement response strategies that will alleviate the suffering of citizens affected by the disaster.
Prof. Utsev assured Nigerians of the federal government’s continued support during these challenging times, pledging efforts to safeguard public health and welfare in the aftermath of the floods.
