Mr Joseph Olagunju, an environmentalist and advocate for green environment initiatives, has urged residents of Bwari to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of flooding.
Olagunju told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that individuals have a responsibility to mitigate the risks associated with heavy rainfall.
“We must begin from our communities, especially our individual homes, by taking proactive measures such as, improving on our waste disposal.
“Residents must ensure proper drainage systems are built and managed properly around their homes to direct downpour away from the properties.
“Proper maintenance of gutters to prevent blockages of drainage pipes will go a long way to curb and address this environmental disaster,’’ he said.
Olagunju also advised that community residents could install flood barriers to protect their environment, especially in flood-prone areas.
The expert further urged community leaders to implement green infrastructure within neighbourhoods and to develop flood disaster plans for previously affected areas.
This, he added, should include effective flood insurance and a detailed plan outlining how to respond to and prepare for a flood event.
Olagunju also encouraged residents to stay informed about flood alerts and warnings from local authorities, and to take such warnings seriously in order to avoid damage or fatalities.
Meanwhile, some residents of Bwari town who also spoke to NAN said they had taken steps to forestall any potential flood disaster.
Mrs Hassana Ahmad, a resident, said her community had organised a weekly sanitation exercise to encourage residents to clean their surroundings and ensure proper waste disposal.
“Once it is raining season, we always make sure that our surroundings are well cleared of refuses and burnt, especially clearing the gutters and the drainage linking wastes from all the houses.
“It is an exercise we take seriously because; we do not want to experience the havoc that comes with heavy downpour in this area”.
Ahmad emphasised the importance of individual and collective responsibility in sustaining a healthier and safer environment.
Also, Mr Isaiah Ifeanyi, another resident, said he was working with his neighbours to ensure all waste dumped in the drainage was cleared and properly disposed of.
According to Ifeanyi, there had been collective efforts by residents to tackle environmental challenges in the area, and so far, there had been good progress.
He stressed the need for continued awareness campaigns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which he said was one of the causes of flooding in communities.
“Some people still dump their trash in the drains and waterways, which can cause flooding. This is improper and must stop.
“We need to continually educate our neighbours on the importance of proper waste management and the effects of unhealthy environment.
“It is our individual responsibility to ensure our community is sanitised, even if it means putting measures in place to discipline defaulters,’’ he said. (NAN)
