Kano plans new drainage master plan

Following Thursday’s heavy rainfall that resulted in flooding across parts of Kano metropolis the Kano State Government has reassured the residents of its commitment to tackling urban flooding through sustainable measures to safeguard lives and property.

The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, stated this in a statement on Friday in Kano,

Dr Hashim said the downpour, which lasted more than three hours in many areas, was unusual in both intensity and duration, explaining 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.

“This phenomenon is not unique to Kano. Similar incidents have been recorded in Lagos, Calabar, Abuja, as well as in cities across Europe, the United States, and Asia.

“It underscores the global dimension of the climate crisis and the urgent need for cities to adapt to new realities,” the statement read in part.

The government had earlier 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, he said.

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.