Environment
Flooding:Task Before Incoming Government
If for nothing else, Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike clearly demonstrated an unparalleled leadership qualities when in the heat of the flood disaster last year the governor quickly responded to the needs of flood ravaged communities by approving a whooping one billion naira to ameliorate their sufferings.
It would be recalled that the flood Management Committee headed by a seasoned technocrat, Dr George Nwaeke, was in every community ravaged by the disaster. Relief materials including cash were given to affected communities across the State.
The 2022 flood was described as a major disaster not just by Nigerians by the international community. The incident affected over 16 states in the country.
In Rivers State for instance, the entire Orashi region was sacked by the incident.
There was complete dislocation of families. Schools turned to refugee camps and even in Abua/Odual,the council hall was turned to a refugee camp.
Faming activities were grounded in places such as Ogba /Egbema/Ndoni Local Government ,Ahoada West and East Local Government Areas , and Abua/Odual.
In far away Soku and Rundele in Akuku Toru and Emohua Local Government Areas respectively, the impact of the disaster was felt.
Neighbouring states of Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Anambra and even parts of the North felt the impact of the disaster.
The Government of Cameroun was blamed for the disaster.
According to various opinions across the country,the disaster was caused by the opening of the Lagdo Dam by the Camerounian authorities.
The critics also blamed the government of Nigeria for refusing to build a dam along the River Niger and Benue to contain water from Lagdo dam.
It would be noted that communities affected by the disaster are still counting their loses till today.
In some of the communities visited by the reporter,they complained about the destruction of their farmlands, high rate of malarial infestations and the fact that some of them still live as refugees.
Meanwhile, some Nigerians have been speaking on the impact of the disaster and the role of government in combating future flooding in the country.
A cross section of Nigerians who spoke on the issue said government should start an intensive preparations towards checking perennial flooding in the country..
In a post disaster interview, Prince Sodin Akiagba, a native of Joinkrama Engenni lamented the destructive impact of the disaster on his community.
He said since the abatement of the incident,no government across the country is giving due attention to flood ravaged communities.
According to him, what is dominating discourse is politics, adding that non of the aspirant is even talking about enviromental issues.
Akiagba expressed fears that his people may suffer another disaster this year if nothing is done about it.
He called on government to dredge the Orashi river,while the dam to contain water from Cameroun should be constructed.
Akiagba also called for post flood support for his people.
Speaking last year in an interview,South South zonal director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Godwin Tepikor said the impact of flood disaster can be minimise if Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps are provided across the zone.
He said communities should take annual flood predictions seriously for early preparations for it.
Tepikor also proposed regular desilting of gutters and drainages, noting that the culture of indescriminate dumping of refuse into drainages be discouraged.
He said NEMA will collaborate with governments across the region with the view to ameliorating the impact of flood disaster on the people.
. Also speaking, the President General of Ogbakor Egbema Aninso, Mr Ify Francis Igwebuike, told The Tide that his people were abandoned to their fate
He lamented the impact on food security in his kingdom,the loss of lives and property by his people and the fact that there hasn’t been any post flood support for the people.
According to him, some rivers and creeks crisscrossing Egbema could be dredged to facilitate movement of waters to the River Niger.
He said rivers such as the Nkisa and other rivulets can be dredged to ensure runoff to river Niger at Ndoni.
According to Igwebuike, these proposals were made a long time ago but successive governments in Nigeria refused to implement them.
The Eze Igbu Ubie of Ubie Kingdom, Ahoada West Local Government Area, HRM Eze Maxwell Augustine Okpokiri, called for a permanent solution to the problem of flooding in the country.
He said his kingdom has always suffered impact of every flood disaster in the country.
Also speaking, a Port Harcourt based enviromental activist, Prince William Chinwo, said both state and federal governments should do something urgently to check future flood disasters in the country.
According to him, measure should also be taken to support communities ravaged by the incident.
Other activists also said measures be taken to check future occurrence of flooding in the country.
It would be noted that by May 2023 a new democratic government will be installed across the country.
The outgoing administrations may have done their best which to some Nigerians their best as far as flooding was concerned is not good enough for the country.
The onus lies on the incoming administrations both at the local government, state and federal governments to think of something new in the area of flood control and mitigation.
By: John Bibor
Environment
World Water Day And Provision Of Clean Water
The declaration by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in far back 1992 could be said to have set the stage for the annual World Water Day celebrations across the globe.
However, the first World Water Day was celebrated in1993
It would be recalled that the United Nations had set aside 22nd of every year as World Water Day
Information available to The Tide has it that the concept of World Water Day was suggested in Agenda 21 during the 3rd _14th 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It was also learnt that later in December that year, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution,A/RES/47/193 designating March 22 as World Water Day.
It went on to say that the event was to highlight the importance of fresh water and advocate for the sustainable management of this important natural resources
For this year’s, the theme was “Water For Peace”
And as a part of the global community, the Rivers State Government also joined its counterparts across the world to mark the day.
It would be noted that the Rivers State Government through the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development had lined up a number of activities to commemorate the day.
Some of the activities include an inspection tour of the ongoing Port Harcourt Mega project with various stakeholders including school children and a symposium.
At the symposium held at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, various speakers highlighted the importance of clean water for the good health and wellbeing of the citizenry.
According to various speakers, waterborne diseases were a major contributor to the deaths of many citizens in the country
The conference also acknowledged the effort of the present administration in the State in ensuring clean and quality drinking water for the citizens
While declaring the event open,the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Barrister Mrs Patience K Omereji said the celebration should provide the opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the importance of clean water for the peace and stability of the society.
According to the Permanent Secretary, it behooves on the people to reflect on the critical role that water plays in fostering peace and stability across the globe
‘With this year’s theme, Water For Peace,”we are reminded of the undeniable connection between access to clean water and the promotion of peaceful coexistence among nations and communities, particularly those sharing borders”
Omereji said that the theme should serve as a wake up call to emphasise the importance of water as a catalyst for peace building effort
“This suggests that ensuring access to clean water and managing water resources sustainably can contribute to conflict prevention and resolution where water rights are prevalent,”she said.
She said the Rivers State Government is not only working hard to ensure citizens get access to clean water but is determined to end open defecation by 2030.
‘Here in Rivers State, under the able leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara,we understand that water and sanitation are entwined drivers of public health and as a result have joined the world in ending open defecation by the year 2030 “It is of note that the type of access, quantum of water supply and quality of sanitation facilities available determine to a great extent the quality of life of the people and the potential for poverty alleviation.
“Sustainable service delivery of water supply, sanitation and hygiene as well as environmental sanitation are recognised as important elements for achieving improved health and a sustainable economy for the people of Rivers State.
“This was aptyly recognised in His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s campaign manifestoes,”she said.
The Permanent Secretary also told the forum that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is SDG 6 compliant, adding that the government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development is making concerted efforts in implementing policies and strategies that ensure equitable access to clean water resources while promoting cooperation among stakeholders
“Worthy of note is the ongoing robust works called the Port Harcourt Water supply and sanitation projects that are at various stages of completion
She said the scheme when completed will deliver safe water to homes both within Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
On his part, the former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Elder Samuel Ijeoma decried the incessant vandalisation of water facilities by unscrupulous elements in the State.
Ijeoma who said he was happy that the Eleme Water project is functioning, said clean water is very important as water borne diseases kill faster than COVID-19 and other dieseases.
He also decried the proliferation of water satchet factories, adding that many people drink poison in the name of pure water.
The former Permanent Secretary, however, said people must be prepared to pay for clean water as is being done in the developed countries.
He said clean water is not free , noting that even in America, people pay for water consumption.
Ijeoma also said lack of regulation has led to unhygienic practices by some satchet water producers, as some boreholes are sited close to suckaways.
The former Permanent Secretary, who is the Director General of the Rivers State Pensions Board decried the incessant vandalisation of reticulation facilities.
He urged the Ministry to use the annual World Water Day celebration to come up with programmes that will make the citizenry to have access to clean water, stressing that World Water Day had become mere celebrations without concrete results. Ijeoma, who was chairman of the occasion also urged the Ministry to reach out to the Governor on the issue.
In his presentation, the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenni- barini Zabbey said HYPREP is on the same page with the Rivers State Government as for as the provision of clean water is concerned.
He said the agency is presently undertaking water project in more than 18 communities across the four Ogoni local government areas .
Zabbey said apart from water projects, the agency is also intervening in the areas of shoreline protection and mangrove resuscitation in Ogoni
According to him, HYPREP will continue to collaborate with the state government in designing and execution of water projects.
General Manager of the Port Harcourt Water Corporation, Chief Ibibia Walter decried the politicisation of water.
He said the water sector has suffered neglect over the years as successive governments do not see it as a necessary campaign tool.
Walter said the proliferation of water agencies has not even helped in the supply of clean water to the people, adding that in some countries even the MinistrIes of Water Resources was non existent.
He however warned the government to be careful as the scrambled for water may breed future conflicts not only in the state but across the country.
Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) Oke Okafor denied that satchet water is poisonous.
He said the association has a department that ensures quality control as well as regulate entries into the industry .
Others who spoke pointed out the importance of clean water to the health and wellbeing of the people.
They said time has come for government to ensure that people have access to quality and clean water.
The event also featured a drama sketch by the Rivers State Art Council and a lecture.
Just as it is always said, “water, water every where but no water to drink.”
Indeed, there is “water everywhere but no water to drink.” This lack of clean water had sometimes resulted to severe cases of waterborne diseases such as Cholera and others.
Just as it was observed at the event, the water day celebration has become an annual ritual but has it translated to provision of quality water for the citizenry? This is a question that stakeholders in the water sector should provide answer to.
By: John Bibor
Environment
Population And The Environment In Nigeria – TooBig To Go Green?
The “Giant of Africa”, Nigeria is a country rich with natural resources, and the largest population on the continent with 219 million people. Africa’s giant is predicted to get even bigger, as the population is forecast to grow to 377 million people by 2050. However, its natural resources are already under strain, with rising carbon emissions and increasing deforestation.
As part of our series of blogs looking at Nigeria in preparation for our Population Conversation roundtable event next week, we ask: with a booming population, what lies ahead for Nigeria’s environment?
Nigeria has the biggest population and economy in Africa, with a population of 219 million. It’s predicted to overtake the US to become the world’s third most populated country by 2051. Nigeria’s rapid growth is the result of its large young population coming into child-bearing age, with currently half of the population under the age of 19. It’s home to some of Africa’s richest individuals, however stark wealth inequality divides the country, with two-thirds of the population below the poverty line.
Nigeria is a country incredibly susceptible to the effects of climate change. The capital city Lagos bordering on Nigeria’s coastline is vulnerable to rising sea levels. A UN report revealing that many communities in the Niger Delta have lost or fear losing their homes due to coastal erosion.
Rising global temperatures will also endanger Nigerians with an increasing frequency of heat waves. Nigeria’s Climate Risk profile predicts that more than 20% of the population will be exposed to heatwaves that are detrimental to human health. And the number of “very hot days” is set to increase by about 90 days in most regions.
Nigeria’s economy is predominantly built upon oil and gas exports, profits from fossil fuels accounting for 93% of Nigeria’s export revenue. Nigeria produced 129 metric tons of CO2 in 2023, the 4th highest emissions in Africa.
The bulk of Nigeria’s emissions are from oil and gas production, and the practice of “gas venting”, where unwanted gases surfaced during oil production – predominantly methane – are released into the atmosphere. Methane is a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent that carbon dioxide.
There is also “gas flaring”, the practice of burning off surfaced gases, releasing carbon dioxide as a by-product that contributes to emissions. An estimated 6.6 billion cubic metres of gas was flared in Nigeria in 2021 – making it the world’s seventh largest gas flarer.
Despite the massive production of oil and gas, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of energy poverty in the world. The World Economic Forum defines energy poverty as the ‘lack of access to modern energy services and products’, a situation where there is an absence of sufficient choice in accessing adequate, reliable, affordable, safe, and environmentally suitable energy services.
Lawson writes from Lagos.
By: Humphrey Lawson
Environment
Environmentalist Cautions Residents Against Dumping Waste In Drainages
Following the advent of rainy season, an environmentalist, Elder Blessing Jackson Tiko has cautioned residents of Port Harcourt City and its environs against dumping refuse into drainages and gutters.
Tiko, who is the Deputy Operations Officer, Port Harcourt City Environmental Sanitation Taskforce said it has become necessary for residents of the city to know that the rains have started and so, should avoid dumping refuse into drainages and gutters inorder to avoid flooding in the city
Elder Tiko who spoke to The Tide in an exclusive interview said while government is doing its part to check flooding in the city, residents should also play their part by keeping the drainages and gutters clean.
“My advice to them is to know that the rains are here and they should avoid any thing that will bring back flood to the city.
“They should desist from dumping refuse into drainages and gutters. These things cause flooding, it should be avoided”, he said.
He said the taskforce is ready to assist any street that needs its assistance in terms of evacuation of refuse.
Tiko also described the rainfalls as an answer to prayers, adding that the rains have gone a long way in reducing heat, dust and mosquitoes.
He however blamed the extreme weather on climate change, adding that time has come for both the authorities and individuals to take drastic measures towards checking the trend.
He also commended the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Chief Alwell Ihunda, for his support to the taskforce as well as his commitment towards the cleanliness of the city.
By: ohn Bibor
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