National Inland Waterways Authority Working To Avert Flooding

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has said it is taking possible measures to avert the challenges of flooding along the waterways as the rainy season draws near.

Managing Director of NIWA, George Moghalu said the authority has started sensitising the people and embarked on ongoing wreck removal efforts across the country to address the problem.

He said this after a private visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The NIWA Boss noted that the agency is aware of the high water tides and incidence of floods ravaging communities around the country and the authority is working to make the nation’s waterways channels navigable all year round while ensuring that they are put into active use.

To ensure navigational safety of the lower River Niger channel to boost both hinterland and coastal trade, Moghalu added that the agency has started environmental impact assessments of some major waterways especially that of Makurdi following the launch of the survey and navigation chart, a collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and NIWA with financial support from both NEXIM and Afreximbank.

Meanwhile, he called on the national assembly to consider the interest of the people in the deliberations of the Water Resources Bill to ensure its passage for the benefit of the country.