Flood: Niger to relocate over 50 communities in Lapai council

Niger State government in collaboration with Lapai local government area are to relocate over 50 communities in the lower land of River Niger, Alhaji Usman Ndagi Mohammed has disclosed. Mohammed, the chairman of Lapai local government area told Daily Trust in an interview on Thursday in Minna that flood occasioned by torrential downpour ravages communities […]

Niger State government in collaboration with Lapai local government area are to relocate over 50 communities in the lower land of River Niger, Alhaji Usman Ndagi Mohammed has disclosed.

Mohammed, the chairman of Lapai local government area told Daily Trust in an interview on Thursday in Minna that flood occasioned by torrential downpour ravages communities within the council yearly with consequent loss of lives and properties.

He said in some cases, the River Niger would overflow its bank submerging communities in the process, while release of water by the hydro dams authorities also threatened lives and properties.

Mohammed disclosed that more than 60 communities were affected by flood last year, even as several hectares of rice, sorghum, millet and maize farms were submerged in the process.

He said worried by the development, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello who was on assessment visit to the area directed that some of the affected communities be relocated upland.

He disclosed that the council has designated two locations in Kolu and Madalla areas for the purpose.

He said the original owners of the land would be compensated, while certificate of occupancy are being prepared for the new owners.

He commended Gov. Bello for his many interventions aimed at addressing what he said, has become a recurring decimal to the people of the council.