Niger State government to demolish houses built along river banks in response to recent floods

NIGER State government has announced plans to demolish houses and other structures along river banks in the state as part of a plan to construct a comprehensive drainage network in response to recent flooding.

Over recent weeks, Niger State, like a lot of Nigeria has been devastated by heavy flooding that has led to the loss of lives and property. In Suleja in particular, the flooding was severe, with at least 10 people reported dead, prompting the local authorities to appeal to the National Emergency Management Agency to come to their aid.

In response, the Niger State government said it would demolish houses along river banks and would from now on sanction officials of the state Urban Development Board who approve buildings constructed in such areas. Alhaji Abdullahi Shuaibu Maje, the chairman of Suleja Local Government Area, made the disclosure at the commencement of distribution of relief materials to victims of the recent flooding.

He added: “Government will ensure the strict compliance to the rules and regulations guiding the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has given approval for these actions as a way of checking the loss of lives and property of people as a result of such disasters."