NEMA to Nigerians: Reduce interlocking, grow trees in your surroundings to control flood

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised Nigerians to minimise the use of interlocking bricks in their homes.

Justin Uwazuruonye, NEMA’s head of Abuja operations, also advised citizens to create green areas by planting trees and grasses in their surroundings to avoid flooding.

Speaking with NAN on Tuesday, Uwazuruonye said though appealing, it is better to have interlocking bricks only on walkways or driveway floors in homes.

“We always discourage people from building on natural waterways and with our knowledge of water and soil, if you prevent water from infiltrating into the soil, you will have high volume with high velocity of water,” Uwazuruonye said.

“With that, it is impossible to suspend water and with the growing trend, everyone wants to have interlocking in homes.

“The way some people do their interlocking even complicates the issue; some people will put cellophane bags, they will cement the ground and totally prevent water from infiltrating the soil.

“We cannot continue to alter nature. When we continue with this act, we will continue to pay for it, just like the case of Trademore Estate at Lugbe, Abuja.

“Open your interlockings, have grasses and trees grow in your surroundings because these vegetations have a role to play.

“If you do this, 50 percent or less of the water from the rain will run off, by then, the quantity and velocity of flow will be reduced and there will be less damage.”