By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
Residents of Gaida Community in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State have renewed calls for urgent government intervention to address the recurring flooding that has continued to claim lives, destroy property and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area.
The appeal came on Saturday during a working visit by representatives of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to the community to assess environmental challenges associated with annual flooding.
The delegation was led by the Head of Mission of UN-Habitat in Nigeria, Mrs. Nina, and included the Deputy Head of Mission, Professor Fernando, UN-Habitat Kano Office Coordinator, Mr. Christian Okafor, his assistant Mr. Moses, as well as the Director of Disaster Management from the Kano State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The visit was facilitated by the Gaida Development Association (GADA) in collaboration with the Gaida Elders Committee (GECO).
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Speaking during the visit, the President of GADA, Comrade Huzaifa Yakub Musa, said residents have endured devastating floods for more than seven years, with many families suffering repeated losses whenever heavy rainfall occurs.
According to him, Gaida and neighbouring communities receive large volumes of floodwater flowing from the Sabon Titi-Dorayi Karama axis through the Madobi Underpass corridor, but lack adequate drainage infrastructure capable of containing the water.
He explained that the absence of a functional and concrete drainage system has resulted in frequent overflow of waterways, causing widespread destruction of homes, farmlands and public infrastructure.
“For over seven years, our people have continued to suffer losses of lives and properties due to recurring floods. Every rainy season comes with fear, uncertainty and destruction,” he said.
Musa lamented that despite several appeals and official communications to relevant authorities over the years, the community has yet to receive a lasting solution to the problem.
“We are in a dilemma and need serious intervention. Counting losses and grieving has become a seasonal experience for residents of this community. Many people have lost their homes, livelihoods and even loved ones,” he stated.
He further noted that flooding has also hindered access to essential services, particularly healthcare, as overflowing waterways often cut off parts of the community from neighbouring settlements.
“During severe flooding, movement becomes almost impossible. Some sick persons are unable to access hospitals because roads and footpaths become submerged. In some cases, lives have been lost as a result,” he added.
The community leader expressed optimism that the visit by UN-Habitat officials would help draw attention to the plight of residents and pave the way for practical interventions aimed at mitigating the annual disaster.
UN-Habitat is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting sustainable urban development and improving access to adequate shelter. The organisation works with governments and communities worldwide to address urban challenges, including flooding, climate change, environmental degradation and infrastructure deficits.
Residents who interacted with the delegation appealed to development partners and government agencies at all levels to urgently construct durable drainage infrastructure and implement flood control measures to protect lives and property in the affected communities.
They expressed hope that the assessment visit would mark the beginning of concrete actions to address one of the most persistent environmental challenges confronting the area.