13/10/2025
BUILD TO DRAIN: HARPING ON GOV. ALIA's EFFORTS TO REDUCE IMPACT OF FLOODING IN BENUE
By Isaac Uzaan
One of the most common types of natural disaster is flooding. Oceans, Rivers, and Streams have been important part of human existence. They provide food, freshwater, and fertile land for growing crops, but when they flood, the effect can be devastating.
With the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather conditions, it's important to recognize and prepare for both the visible and the unseen dangers associated with flooding.
Over the years, Benue State has been in the news over flood related disasters which always resulted in the destruction of properties and displacement of thousands of people. There was severe flooding in the state in 2012 affecting various communities and rendering many people homeless.
The violently running water overwhelmed homes, businesses, and infrastructure, causing damages to buildings, natural, social, and even capital resources. The worst hit local government was Makurdi where areas such as Gyado-Valla, Judges Quarters, Akpehe, Idye, Wurukum, Kanshio, and Achusa were all affected.
In Makurdi, the capital town of Benue State, flooding is not a one-off event, it is a recurring problem, happening annually during the rainy season with significant consequences. Efforts to address this recurrent disaster by successive administrations were at low ebb as major communities within the city continue to float on floodwaters at the peak of every rainy season.
The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), in collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), identified 22 locations in Benue State that were affected by flood between September 04 and 09, 2024. 7,092 individuals were affected and 1,089 households were destroyed.
Governor Alia who came prepared to take Benue out of the dungeon has brought out a combination of preventive strategies to combat the disaster including natural flood management, infrastructural improvements, and community engagement.
Immediately he assumed office as Governor, Fr. Alia set parameters in place with a view to mitigating risk of flood disaster in Benue State. Firstly, the Governor sensitized the people on dangers of building structures on waterways or floodplains which act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall.
Constructing buildings on such plains increases the risk of flooding. The Governor, through the ministry of Water Resources and Environment has been calling on those whose buildings are obstructing the natural flow of water in Benue State, particularly in Makurdi town to start thinking of relocating to a safer place.
Secondly, Governor Alia has improved on the construction of quality and sustainable drainage systems in Makurdi. Drainages have been built on both sides of the Abu King Shuluwa Road and around the Wurukum main market creating easy passage of water during rainfalls. The wide drainage built around Idye community through to Ishaya Bakut road serves as an express water way through which water passes to the river.
This drainage alone prevents entire Idye community and the settle behind Police Zone 4 Headquarters from flooding. The intention of the Governor is to continue to open up water channels in Makurdi town to make way for easy flow of water and save the Benue capital city from the quagmire of recurrent flood disaster.
The water channels that are being constructed by Governor Alia will lessen the burden on traditional drainage systems and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall. Apart from building and maintaining effective drainage systems, the Alia administration has been raising public awareness on radio stations and newspapers about flood risks and prevention measures.
The administration has also embarked on a campaign to prevent people from dumping refuse into waterways. Residents of urban areas are being enlightened about the dangers of dumping waste in waterways and the importance of proper waste management. Floodwaters in urban areas creates stagnant pools, providing a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is, therefore, advisable for residents of such areas to regularly clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains to ensure water flows away from their places.
Some people might want the Governor to concentrate on other things, but he cannot just behold the sight of Makurdi residents floating on flood waters annually like debris during a heavy downpour. He has to work towards safeguarding their lives, property, and communities from the devastating financial, social, and environmental effects of flooding.
The labyrinth of major streets constructed by Governor Alia within Idye village, behind Government Model College, Makurdi is another visible show of his efforts towards lifting the entire community out of the quagmire of flooding.
It is worth emphasizing on the contrary that the failure of successive governments in the state to implement, enforce, or fund essential infrastructure and environmental management policies contribute to incidents of flooding in Makurdi town.
Their failure in urban planning, building and maintenance of drainages, allowing drains and waterways to be blocked, and allowing construction in flood-prone areas exacerbated the flood problem in the state.
Also, the perceived greed of some government officials and contractors who had allegedly pocketed millions from anomalous flood control projects aggravated
the already ill effect of flooding on Benue communities.
It is not out of place that the people of Benue State are always appreciating Governor Alia who has endeared himself so much to them. His prompt responses to early warning signs is critical for minimizing flood damage and enhancing preparedness.
Although the construction of drainages and other flood preventive strategies are ongoing in Makurdi, it is worth emphasizing that, for the very first time in history, the people of Benue State are passing through heavy rainy days without recording any significant flood issue.
Isaac Uzaan is Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor of Benue State on Media and Content Creation.
