The Edo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, has said it has constructed over 40 kilometers of secondary drains across the state to prevent flooding.
Dr. Tom Obaseki, Coordinator of Edo NEWMAP, stated this at a flood engagement workshop held by the agency over the weekend in Benin City, Edo State.
He stated that the state government constructed nearly 40 kilometers of secondary drains as part of its intervention to combat erosion in the state.
“We have built a total length of over 40km of secondary drains. This excludes over 400km constructed by other ministries and agencies; over 14km of primary storm-water culverts, drains, and over 4km of earth stormwater channels. This is more than what has been done by any government in the history of the state,” he noted.
He added that beyond government action and infrastructural intervention, there was a need for all stakeholders, particularly the media, to continue to sensitize people so they could take ownership of flood control efforts and change their attitude towards environmental protection.
Obaseki added, “The media has a crucial role in spreading information in bridging the knowledge gap and enhancing public awareness. The media chooses which issues to highlight to its viewers and how to frame them, influencing what people perceive to be a priority.
“When the public discussion about a particular topic is structured in such a way that it creates a sense of outrage and menace, people will put pressure on their leaders to put that issue at the top of the political agenda.”
PUNCH
