The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has cautioned Nigerians not to build houses in flood-prone areas and waterways in order to avoid flood disasters and other related incidents.
Speaking yesterday at a three-day workshop for? the Controller-General and Directors of the State Fire Services, with the theme, ‘Needed Transformation in the Fire Sector for the Attainment of Vision 2020,’ the Controller-General, FFS, Engineer Olusegun Okebiorun, said that in order to avoid flood disaster in Nigeria, federal government must take? steps to ensure that people did not build their houses in the waterways.
Engineer? Okebiorun also noted that planting trees in the environment could also help in blocking flood routes in people’s?? houses.
Fire Service boss adised Nigerians to “provide a route for the drainage of water and improve drainage efficiency in your surrounding by constructing pumping station, gate and tunnels. Avoid dumping of refuse in water channel or drainage and ensure that drainage facilities are free of blockages.”
He urged builders to seek professional advice and to strictly adhere to the master plan laid down by the town planning authorities.
He noted? that there was the? need for a re-engineering of the fire service across the country,? adding that the service had embarked on a programme of creating more fire station services, procurement of more equipment and strengthening of fire service officers.
Speaking in the same vein, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mrs Daniel Nwaobia, who was represented by Mr Keftin Amuga, stated that most emergencies were?? caused by carelessness, adding that people should be vigilant and be aware that flood can escalate very quick as often warned by national emergency management agency.