By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has warned citizens ‘against building their homes on waterways and invested in hazard proof structures.
NEMA gave the warning during the commemoration of 2017 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Abuja tagged “Home Safe Home – Reducing Exposure , Reducing Displacement”.
The Director General NEMA, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja , said the day was marked globally around the world stressing that ,there is a need for disaster risk reduction to be inclusive in all our activities even from our homes , project and programmes while planning and preparedness activities need to include specific action related to reducing the risk we are exposed to in a daily basis “.
Engr. Maihaja pointed out that the theme “Home Safe Home -Reducing Exposed Reducing Displacement “ focuses on the primal importance of the home as a sanctuary and safe haven at all times , particularly in times of the disasters with special focus on preventing displacement. “ the campaign seeks to raise global awareness on effective actions, policies and practices taken and needed to reduce exposure to disaster risk at the community level thereby contributing to saving livelihoods “,He said .
He emphasised that with the devastation to lives and property, caused by the 2017 flood across 27 states, communities need to adhere more the to warnings , avoid building plans, codes and invest in hazard structure.
The Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Habibat Lawal represented by the Permanent Secretary General Service Office, Dr. R.P Ugo in the keynote address said the primary role of government is to reduce disaster and bring policies and practices that communities can live in a safe home and livelihood“.
