Boat rider receiving a life jacket at Mashigin Da' a community, Kaduna StateBy Aisha Gambo
Following the August rains, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Kaduna Area Office on Wednesday took its flood control campaign to Mashigin Da’a community in Igabi ocal Government Area.
The authority also distributed 80 life jackets to boat riders to serve as safety kits for passengers crossing the river.
The Area Manager, Isah Aliyu, warned that blocked drains, illegal structures, and indiscriminate dumping of refuse along water corridors were turning seasonal rains into devastating floods.
“These practices threaten lives, destroy homes, contaminate water supply, and cripple livelihoods; Our collective action must start now,” he said.
Aliyu urged traditional and community leaders to promptly report blockages or encroachments to the relevant agencies such as NIWA and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), among others.
The area manager urged boat operators and passengers to prioritise safety by wearing life jackets, avoiding travel during storms, abstaining from alcohol or drugs while navigating, and informing relatives of their travel routes and return times.
“Every trip carries risk, especially during this season, safety is not negotiable; it is the lifeline that ensures everyone comes home alive.
“Your actions today can save lives tomorrow, together we can build a flood-resilient Kaduna by turning awareness into action,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the state Co-ordinator, National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N- HYPPADEC), Abdulhamid Yazid, stated that the commission had donated 50 lifejackets to safeguard live and properties.
He explained that the donation was part of the commission’s mandate to support and develop riverine communities, especially those impacted by the activities of hydro-dams.
“We are calling on beneficiaries to make judicious use of these life jackets because you cannot overemphasise their importance.
“They save lives, so they should be used responsibly,” he said.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders in the community have commended NIWA for organising the programme, saying that it was enlightening and educative.
Adamu Yusuf, the Sarkin Ruwa of the community, said he was now aware of the ills of waterways encroachment and how to report the matter to appropriate authorities.
Ayuba Mahmuda, a boat rider, who benefitted from the lifejacket, said it would help keep passengers safe from water since most can’t swim in case of emergency.
“We don’t have a water transport station where passengers can sit and wait for a boat or for riders to rest when exhausted,” he said.(NAN)
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