Flood: NGO tasks Gombe residents on proper waste management

Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in Gombr, on Friday tasked residents in the state on proper disposal of waste to mitigate the impact of flooding this 2026.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr Ismail Bima, made the call in an interview with our Correspondent in Gombe on Friday.

According to Bima, the huge losses associated with flooding and its negative impact on the environment and livelihoods has made it imperative for collective efforts to tackle flooding in Gombe.

He urged residents to take responsibility in ensuring a clean environment for their wellbeing.

“We have been sensitising residents for weeks now because of the impact of flooding on our people, communities and livelihoods.

“We must not wait for the rain before doing the right thing.

“Avoid dumping wastes in drains and water channels; this is key to addressing flood related disasters as the rainy season commences,” he said.

Bima disclosed that his team had intensified sensitisation exercise in Kwami, Nafada, Funakaye and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state because they were proned to flooding..

He said that the flooding in Funakaye had been attributed largely to buildings erected in waterways, stressing that,”residents should vacate the area.

“I urge the state government to relocate people from such areas to help save lives and properties.

He commended th State government’s efforts in reclaiming degraded land and building huge concrete gullies in several communities to help manage severe erosion.

He said that the concrete gullies have helped in protecting critical infrastructure and livelihoods of thousands of residents in the state.

Bima urged the government and residents to take advantage of the rainy season to plant more trees to replace those that have been fellen for firewood and charcoal purposes.