Kano spends zero naira on flood control, N555m on hospitality
By Aminu Abubakar
Despite the fact that about forty-nine persons have been reported dead from flooding in Kano state, the state government has shown less concern for financial commitment to tackling flooding in the state.
SolaceBase reveals that this is according to details of the budget performance report published by the state government.
It could be recalled that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that 49 people have been killed and 226 communities devastated by flooding and windstorms in twenty-seven local government areas of the state between January and September 2024.
The areas affected were listed as Tudun Wada, Gwale, Wudil, Danbatta, Ajingi, Dala, Gwarzo, Madobi, Bichi, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Tarauni, Minjibir, Bebeji, Rogo, Shanono, Kabo, Garin Malam and Ungogo.
Others listed are Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Kura, Dawakin Tofa, Gezawa, Rogo and Bagwai Local Government Areas. It was also noted that the floods destroyed 6,583 houses, affecting 38,814 people.
Despite budgeting N220 million to tackle erosion and flooding in 2024, zero naira was spent on the same in the first six months of 2024.
Kano has a history of spending poorly on erosion and flooding control. In the 2023 fiscal year, the state budgeted the sum of N277 million for flooding and erosion control, however, zero naira was spent for this purpose in the fiscal year.
Zero naira on Flooding, N129 million on Honorarium, Sitting Allowance
Further review shows that while the state pays less attention to flooding and erosion control, it spent N129 million on honorarium and sitting allowances in the first six months of 2024.
Refreshments and meals stood at N33 million, hospitality took N555 million.
This development comes at a time when there are concerns about further flooding expected in the country.
This development is coming with millions received monthly by the state as ecological funds.
There have been concerns over the accountability of states in the management of ecological funds meant to tackle ecological challenges such as flooding and erosion.
The devastating effect of the Alu dam that led to flooding which claimed several lives and destroyed property valued at billions of Naira in Maiduguri, Borno state is still fresh in our memory.
A stitch in time they say, saves nine.
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