By: John Bassey, Kebbi.
The Chairman of the High-Powered Flood Committee set up by Governor Nasir Idris to assess the devastation caused by floods across Kebbi State, Engr. Abdullahi Umar Faruq (Muslim), has assured affected communities of the government’s readiness to provide urgent intervention.
Engr. Faruq, who is also the Commissioner for Works, gave the assurance on Wednesday at Zagga/Kende Road while inspecting a bridge affected by the flood. He was accompanied by members of the committee.
Addressing jubilant residents of Zagga and commuters who trooped out to welcome the team, he said Governor Idris was deeply disturbed by the hardship caused by the floods, which have destroyed infrastructure, damaged roads and bridges, and washed away farmlands in many parts of the state.
He explained that the Governor had given the Committee only one week to complete its assignment and submit a report. “The Governor set up this Committee with a one-week mandate to assess all flood devastation across Kebbi State. Whenever he gives such a directive, it means immediate action will follow,” he stated.
Engr. Faruq further assured the people that, Insha’Allah, the damages would be addressed within a very short time.
The Committee, which included engineers from the Ministries of Works, Environment, and Water Resources, inspected damaged infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
In its second outing on Wednesday, the team interacted with affected communities and assessed damaged roads and bridges in Bagudo Local Government, covering areas from Zagga Junction and Kende Road up to Kaoje and the Tsamiya–Illo Road.