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Flood: Experts put Shiroro dam communities on alert

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By Hammed Salawu, Minna

Experts in the field of Hydrology, Metrology, Reservoir and Environmental management have warned the people of the riparian communities in the up and down streams of Shiroro Hydro-electric power plant to take preventive measures to avert the consequences of flooding.The warning was handed down at the stakeholders flood sensitization/awareness forum organised by the North South Power Company Limited at the Shiroro dam site on Monday.

The 2017 flood prediction puts that 23 states and 100 local government areas across the country, including Shiroro at high risk.

Our correspondent learnt that more than 30 communities around Shiroro Hydro-electric power plant were at high risk, according to the prediction on the hydrological trend along the Kaduna River Basin.

In his welcome address at the occasion, the acting chief operating officer of the North South Power Company limited, Engr Ugochukwu Chioke said although the area has not experienced high flood with the consequent devastation for the last 15 years, it was pertinent to alert communities on the risk of venturing into the flood plain for economic activities.

“Before the dam was constructed, a study was carried out and there was mapping of the flood plain where farming activities are not expected and the people compensated to vacate the river bank”, he noted.

He however said because of the deposit of nutrients by the river over the years, farmers found the plain a fertile ground for cultivation and consequently engender their lives, adding that the company would continue to embark on intensive awareness campaign during every rain season on the inherent danger in event of flooding.

Also, the director general of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Mr Moses Beckely, urged the people in the high flood areas to head early warning by experts and also adhere to town planning guidelines as well as environmental laws.

He said the stakeholders meeting coming ahead of September when the rainfall was expected to be in high torrents, was timely as it would go a long way in mitigating the effect of flooding.

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