NIWA cautions Kaduna residents to against dumping in waterways as flood season nears
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has urged residents of Kaduna State to refrain from dumping refuse in drainages and rivers in order to reduce the risk of flooding as the rainy season begins.
The appeal was made on Monday by the Area Manager, Isah Aliyu, during an interview with journalists. He said the agency is working closely with key partners to proactively address the threat of floods in the state.
“As the rains approach, we have held a meeting with stakeholders, including the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to map out strategies for flood prevention,” Aliyu stated.
He added that NIWA had conducted a tour of Kaduna metropolis to engage residents on the issue. In areas where blockages were identified, he said the authority would collaborate with the state’s Ministry of Environment to clear water channels and ensure free flow of rainwater.
Aliyu explained that the campaign had extended into local communities, where NIWA officers were educating residents about the hazards of dumping waste into drainage systems and water bodies. He also cautioned against the construction of structures along waterways, saying such activities contribute significantly to flooding.
To address this, he said NIWA was working hand-in-hand with the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA), which is tasked with removing structures erected within 100 metres on either side of water channels.
“NIWA is not in Kaduna to inconvenience residents,” Aliyu clarified. “Our presence here is to support the creation of a cleaner, more habitable environment for all.”
Speaking further, he addressed boat operators and said the agency had begun a sensitisation campaign to ensure all boat users are properly registered with NIWA.
“If you are a boat rider or operator, you must register your vessel with us before putting it on the river,” he said. “It is the same principle that applies to vehicle ownership. You cannot drive a car on public roads without registration from the Vehicle Inspection Office or the Federal Road Safety Corps. In the same way, you cannot operate a boat on our waterways without registration, and every operator must also hold a valid licence,” he explained.
