Kano State Government has reassured of its commitment to tackling urban flooding through sustainable measures to safeguard lives and property.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, stated this in a statement on Friday in Kano, following Thursday’s heavy rainfall that resulted in flooding across parts of the metropolis.
It said the downpour, which lasted more than three hours in many areas, was unusual in both intensity and duration.
The statement explained that the incident is one of the well-documented consequences of climate change linked to rising global temperatures that increase atmospheric moisture and cause prolonged rainfall..
Pointing to earlier preventive measures taken, Hashim said the government had desilted major drains at the beginning of the rainy season to ensure free water flow and supported self-help groups across the metropolis to desilt minor drainages.
The commissioner added that waste management systems were also being strengthened to prevent blockages, while trees were being planted along major roads to enhance water absorption and reduce runoff.
“A major drainage channel is also under construction at Babangwari roundabout, designed to safely convey more than half of the city’s runoff.
“For the long term, the Ministry will propose in the 2026 budget a new drainage master plan for Kano metropolis, as the current system may not withstand future climate-induced rainfall patterns,” he said.
Dr Hashim urged the residents to cooperate by properly disposing of waste and refraining from building on waterways, stressing that such practices worsened flooding and endangered lives.
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to building a resilient Kano metropolis and ensuring the safety of residents against climate-related risks.