By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State House of Assembly has called on the Executive Arm of Government to urgently intervene in addressing persistent flooding and waterlogging in Unguwar Arewa (Barkatalami), Bulkachuwa, Katagum LGA, following the adoption of a motion presented during plenary.
The motion, sponsored by Hon. Nasiru Ahmed Ala, representing Madara/Chinade Constituency, and co-sponsored by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, alongside the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jamilu Umar Dahiru, and other Honourable Members, highlighted the dire environmental and public health challenges confronting residents of the affected area.
Moving the motion, Nasiru Ala drew the attention of the House to the recurring hardship faced by the community as a result of persistent flooding and prolonged water stagnation, which he said continue to threaten lives, destroy property, and disrupt socio-economic activities.
He explained that Unguwar Arewa (Barkatalami) has long been identified as a flood-prone area, particularly during the rainy season, largely due to the absence of a functional drainage system.
According to him, this has led to uncontrolled water flow, erosion of access roads, and damage to residential structures.
The lawmaker further noted that several low-lying portions of land within the community retain stagnant water long after rainfall, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and increasing the prevalence of malaria and other water-borne diseases.
He added that the situation also weakens soil stability, thereby endangering buildings and limiting the productive use of land.
Nasiru Ala warned that without immediate intervention, the situation could escalate into a major environmental and public health crisis, not only affecting the community but neighbouring areas as well.
In its resolutions, the House called on the Executive Arm of Government to prioritize the construction of a standard and durable drainage system in the area to effectively channel floodwater.
It also urged the reclamation and filling of all identified waterlogged and low-lying areas to prevent further stagnation.
Furthermore, the Assembly mandated the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Works, in collaboration with relevant agencies including the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), to conduct a comprehensive assessment and implement sustainable measures to mitigate the impact of flooding.
The motion received broad support from lawmakers, who underscored the need for proactive steps to safeguard lives, protect infrastructure, and improve environmental conditions in vulnerable communities.
Speaking to Journalists shortly after plenary, Hon. Nasiru Ahmed Ala reiterated the urgency of the intervention, emphasizing that residents of the area deserve immediate government support to ease the hardship affecting their daily lives.
The resolution is seen as a significant step towards addressing environmental challenges in the state, with potential to enhance public health, prevent avoidable losses, and promote sustainable urban development.
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