The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has decried the damage to bridges, roads, and other critical infrastructure caused by recent flooding in six states of the region.
Speaking during a meeting with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) delegation at the commission’s headquarters in Maiduguri on Friday, NEDC Managing Director Mohammed Alkali urged collaboration with the NSE.
Alkali appealed for professional advice on reconstructing and rehabilitating flood-damaged infrastructure, citing devastating floods from Cameroon in Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Borno, and other North-Eastern states.
“It is essential to adopt short, medium, and long-term measures. We will discuss immediate actions,” he explained, expressing concern over the floods’ impact amidst existing insurgency challenges.
“I’m really disturbed by how the flood wreaked havoc, and we will not take it for granted,” Alkali added.
Nigerian Society of Engineers Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Shattima, stated that the forum is addressing 32 critical aspects of water management, structural integrity, and rehabilitation.
“The society has informed the state government, and Governor Zulum has directed his committee to work closely with engineers,” Shattima noted.
Shattima explained that rapid administration, feedback mechanisms, and detailed surveys would be crucial for successful implementation.
“By adopting a comprehensive approach, the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the commission can mitigate dam-related risks and promote sustainable water management practices.
“We will partner with the commission to prevent dangers by providing professional advice.
“We have informed the state government, and Governor Zulum has directed his team to work with us. After this meeting, we will do what we can to achieve this goal, which requires engagement and technical proposals with timelines for successful implementation. Rapid administration, feedback, and detailed surveys will be crucial,” Shattima said.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then