Rainstorm Wrecks Havoc in Niger Community, as Governor Bago Donates N3million to the Victims
… Warns Against Erecting Structures on Water Ways
The Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago has donated N3million to the victims of rainstorm at Rafin-Gora community in Kontagora local government area of the state, with an appeal to the people of the state to desist from building houses on water ways to avoid flooding.
The governor made the cash donation on Friday during sympathy and on-the-spot assessment visit to the victims who have been rendered homeless as a result of the rainstorm that was accompanied with a heavy downpour on Wednesday night.
The Governor who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Muhammad Sarkin Daji also announced N1million donation from the member, representing Kontagora/Magama/Mariga/Wushishi federal constituency, Hon. Idris Garba.
The Governor who described the incident as unfortunate, urged the people to desist from erecting their structures on water ways even though he believed that rainstorm is a natural disaster that could happen anytime.
The Governor, who expressed shock at the level of destruction caused by the rainstorm and the attendant loose of lives and properties, said no amount of money can bring back those lives that were lost and therefore urged the people to accept the unfortunate incident as the will of God.
On his part, the Speaker assured the people of Rafi Gora and the state that the 10th Assembly will partner with the Executive arm to make laws that will have direct and positive impact on the lives of the people of the State, adding that “we want the people to be patience with the present administration which is barely one month in office.
“The governor has a comprehensive master plan that will transform the state and restore the hope of the people. The governor is passionate about the urban renewal and rural transformation agenda of the administration and therefore needs the patience and understanding of the people to be able to realize this developmental agenda”.
Sarkindaji told the people that the House Assembly recently passed a motion at it plenary, urging the Executives Arm to take a proactive measure towards flooding in the state following warning from the Nigerian Metrological Agencies (NiMET) of a possible heavy rainfall this year which will be followed with severe flood.
The Member Representing Kontagora 11 Constituency at the state assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Isah who was also part of the governor delegation that visited the community, equally made a personal donation of N500, 000 to the people
The District Head of Rafin Gora, Alhaji Usman Mohammed in his response, appreciated the governor for his kind gesture and the visit to the community, assuring him that the money will reach the targeted beneficiaries and would be judiciously utilized.
It could be recalled that rainstorm accompanied by a heavy downpour swept through Rafin Gora community and surrounding villages on Wednesday night, destroying over 100 household while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
