Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has advised residents in low-level areas of Makurdi to seek accommodation in other parts of the Benue State capital which are not vulnerable to the frequent surge of River Benue.

In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES Thursday, the governor said the recent flood that displaced thousands of residents had necessitated enforcement of some environmental policies, no matter how draconian their impact may be.

“Even those who are given certificates of occupancy, we will have to revoke them in the larger interest of the state,” Mr. Ortom said during the interview at his official residence in Makurdi.

An estimated 110,000 people were believed affected after a torrential downpour caused the River Benue to breach its banks across the marshy plains of Makurdi on August 27, washing off a deluge of muddy water into an estimated 46,000 homes and offices overnight.

The aftermath was an instant national emergency, with the state government racing to get support from federal government, state governments, and even private bodies.

“We decided to seek help from all those who could help and we’re very appreciative of them,” Mr. Ortom added.

A camp was opened to provide food and shelter for victims.

The governor said the emergency relief supplies from the federal government arrived early, but more help is still being anticipated, especially in monetary terms.

The funds will be used to help victims of the disaster, as well as improve drainage system and channels to aid free flow of water.

“We need to intensify construction of drainage in Makurdi and other communities,” he said.

The total amount being anticipated is yet unknown, but the governor said a committee, headed by the deputy governor, had already been raised to ensure judicious and equitable disbursement.

“The whole country is passing through some financial challenges right now, so I won’t be mentioning figures,” he said.

”The Minister of Environment has been here and Vice President also made assessment. So I won’t call figure. But we will be transparent and ensure fairness and equity. There’s a committee on this which include the civil society and media to ensure transparency and accountability.”

Benue was not amongst the 16 states that were earlier identified as requiring federal support to mitigate the impact of erosion in July.

But Benue had benefited consistently from annual disaster relief grants by the federal government since the opening of Cameroon’s Lagdo Lake Reservoir devasted the state in 2012.

In the interim, the governor said he’d directed relevant agencies to start laying the groundwork for mass eviction notices to dwellers along the fragile plains.

“The Ministry of Environment and Urban Development Board have been directed to identify the areas where people could be relocated,” Mr. Ortom said.

Relocating people from the flood areas is a key prevention and mitigation factor when devising a long term solution to the disaster, according to experts.

“The government needs to recognise that the time has come for serious actions to be taken about flooding in Makurdi and other communities in Benue State,” said Bernard Tyubee, an associate professor of climatology at Benue State University.

“People living in the areas prone to flooding should be told to evacuate for their own long term security as well as the good of the environment,” he added.

But Mr. Tyubee said the effort will require patience and consistent funding by the state government.

“There may be a need to earmark funds annually from the state’s budget in order to gradually compensate those who would be relocated,” the academic said.

Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/242831-benue-flood-gov-ortom-asks-makurdi-residents-seek-alternative-accommodations.html

Front Page: lalasticlala mynd44

ok

This going to be a lot of money for the state to relocate these people. The people that live there are in flood danger and most dot even have flood insurance. Even after they move they should consider getting flood insurance to cover damages and replace items.

This won't be a popular policy even if it's for best. He could require these guys by law to buy the insurance. Many people all over world live in these type of areas.

[/b]“Even those who are given certificates of occupancy, we will have to revoke them in the larger interest of the state,” Mr. Ortom said during the interview at his official residence in Makurdi"[b] So hope the slowpoke governor is also going to give up his own official Markurdi residence? What is his commissioner for works/town planning or the ministry of environment doing? Can they come up with an environmental impact assessment of the flood ravage areas and ways on how to alleviate it He wants to make Markurdi desolate so that rampaging Fulanis will come to finally colonize Ndi Benue shine your eyes wella.

From where will my good friend omenkalies be typing all those his anti-IPOB tirades now?

OK den

Paperwhite:
So hope the slowpoke governor is also going to give up his own official Markurdi residence? What is his commissioner for works/town planning or the ministry of environment doing? Can they come up with an environmental impact assessment of the flood ravage areas and ways on how to alleviate it 

Is the governors official on flood plain? The commissioners problem is they don't enforce rule of law. The planning aspect is bad because some homeowners don't give setback. The government already gave stance (lip service) to drege river and work on drainage. The people that have to move will be compensated. Living on flood plain isn't worst thing in world. You just need flood insurance.

“The whole country is passing through some financial challenges right now, so I won’t be mentioning figures,” he said.

What a weird response what does this have to do with anything. He could just say we'll update on specific in due time. The words I don't know are a curse word in politics.

Front Page: lalasticlala this going get them ranting.