The Kano State Government has announced fresh measures to address the recurring problem of urban flooding, following heavy downpours that recently submerged parts of the city.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, disclosed this on Friday in Kano, stressing that the administration is committed to safeguarding lives and property through sustainable flood control systems.
“The rainfall we experienced on Thursday lasted more than three hours in some areas, and its intensity was far above normal,” Hashim explained. “Such extreme weather events are no longer random—they are a direct outcome of climate change and global warming, which increase atmospheric moisture and prolong rainfall.”
According to him, the government had taken proactive steps earlier in the season, including the desilting of major drains and support for local community groups to clear minor drainage channels. He added that waste management was being reinforced to prevent blockages, while tree planting campaigns along major roads were expected to reduce surface runoff.
Hashim further revealed that a major drainage project is underway at Babangwari Roundabout. “The channel under construction will safely carry more than half of Kano city’s stormwater runoff,” he said.
Looking ahead, the commissioner said the ministry would propose a new comprehensive drainage master plan in the 2026 budget. “Our current drainage system may not be able to withstand future climate-induced rainfall patterns. That is why we are designing a long-term plan that will make Kano more resilient,” he noted.
He urged residents to complement government efforts by properly disposing of waste and refraining from building on waterways. “Flooding is made worse when people block drainage paths or dump refuse in them. We all have a responsibility to protect our city,” Hashim warned.
The commissioner reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure the safety of Kano residents against climate-related risks, saying: “We are building a resilient Kano metropolis, and with the cooperation of our people, we can reduce the dangers of flooding to the barest minimum.”