Adeleye Kunle Reports
In respect to the frequent flood battling Nigerian communities, a popular Doctor in Nigeria, Dr. Chris Ekiyor has pledged his support for flood victims in communities on the esat west around his Patani in Delta State, expanding help to parts of communities bordering Patani , that are located in Bayelsa state too TrackNews Nigeria reports.
Dr. Chris Ekiyor launches operation rescue mission under RAHI Free Medical and Emergency Relief Camp Clinic, Bridge Head, by rendering free medical services to flood victims in his community, Patani in Delta State, with an assurance of helping the masses of quality heath system.
In a media chat, Dr. Chris expressed his disappointment and dissatisfaction on how flood has affected people in his community and Nigeria as a whole. He expressed shock on the high rate of losses of lives and properties as a result of the flood.
As a result of the havoc wreck, Dr. Chris revealed that he embarked on the process of service to humanity through RAHI Medical Outreach by reaching out to government agencies and media advocate to assist in the developmental programme.
He also highlighted some of the major issues facing the impacted communities, such as, contaminated drinking water, shortage of food supply and poor health system. He emphasized that Patani community needs help.
Drivers of flooding in Nigeria
Nigeria’s flooding is mostly human induced and exacerbated by human-nature interactions. Poor or non-existent drainage systems are a major cause of flooding.
Many residential areas have no drainage system and rely on natural drainage channels. Increasing urbanisation also means more areas are built with concrete and cannot absorb water, increasing runoff.
Poor waste management is another recognised factor. Citizens’ poor attitude to waste disposal and non-provision of waste disposal services by municipal authorities contributes to flooding. It is not uncommon to have drains blocked by refuse in urban areas.
Other factors are unregulated urban expansion – Nigeria is experiencing high urbanisation rates without commensurate provision of urban infrastructure and amenities. Agricultural lands are increasingly being converted to residential areas to accommodate housing needs.
But there’s lax implementation of planning laws. One consequence of this is the there have been construction projects on natural floodplains and storm water paths. This has exacerbated flooding.
Corruption is also a factor. It is not uncommon for town planning officials to accept bribes and overlook issues. These may include unauthorised use of land and alteration of approved construction plans.
Some citizens also capitalise on the loophole of ineffective development control and extend their buildings over the approved areas. Sometimes they go as far as building over drains.
