The Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency has said it cleared drains and removed illegal structures built on waterways on Jos-Bukuru metropolis to forestall flooding.

The Director General, PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya, said this during an interview on Sunday in Jos.

Mr Dapiya explained that the demolition of illegal structures along the waterways was done in collaboration with the Jos Metropolitan Development Board to ensure the free flow of water to prevent flooding resulting from blocked channels.

He said the effort was also aimed at ensuring that drains in the metropolis were de-silted and cleared of waste that often caused avoidable diseases and illnesses.

He said the agency covered a 115 road distance in the exercise.

The DG noted that apart from averting floods, the initiative would also help in tackling health challenges posed by blocked drains.

“The blocked drains do not only prevent the free flow of water, but are breeding sites for vectors and rodents that cause diseases to humans. This exercise is an effort to create a clean and healthier environment for the populace,” he said.

Mr Dapiya explained that the agency commenced the exercise, following the warning by the Federal Government to at least 31 states, including Plateau, informing them of impending flooding in their states between April and November this year.

He called on the public to desist from disposing waste in drains as it was highly detrimental to the environment and posed great danger to lives.

He also urged citizens to ensure they dispose of their waste properly, by dumping them in the dino-bins at designated dump sites.

The DG further warned against erecting structures along waterways as the consequences of such action could also lead to material and physical losses.

(NAN)