The Kano State government has begun its annual drainage clearance exercise to mitigate flooding as the rainy season begins.

Dahiru Hashim, the state’s commissioner for environment and climate change, flagged off the exercise on Friday at the Baban Gwari Roundabout on Katsina Road, a flood-prone area in the Kano metropolis.

He said the initiative was a proactive step to address urban flooding and promote environmental sustainability.

“This is not just another routine government activity; it reflects our commitment to proactive environmental governance and urban resilience.

“The annual desilting has been institutionalised under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as a calendar event.

“Baban Gwari Roundabout, a key intersection in the Jakara–Kwarin Gogau stormwater system, would be upgraded with modern drainage infrastructure to curb perennial flooding and ease traffic and pedestrian movement,” he said.

The commissioner commended Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf for approving the formalisation of the annual exercise and the rehabilitation of key infrastructure in the area.

He called on residents to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and to report blocked drains to the relevant authorities.

“The government will do its part, but citizens must also take responsibility. Sustainable environmental management requires a collective effort,” he said.

Mr Hashim said desilting had already commenced in some communities, with waste being promptly evacuated to prevent blockages.

“Although there is no current partnership with federal agencies, the state government is taking timely and independent steps to intervene before the onset of heavy rains,” he said.

On waste management, the commissioner said progress had been recorded in reducing roadside dumping of refuse. He attributed the development to ongoing public sensitisation campaigns.

He disclosed that enforcement of the environmental pollution control law would commence after an eight-week sensitisation campaign, now in its sixth week.

(NAN)