The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has admonished the Federal government to set up a presidential flood relief and rehabilitation committee to mobilize funds to support victims of recent flooding.
This was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by the national president of CAN, Daniel Okoh.
According to him, the association is deeply concerned about the havoc that the flooding has caused in communities across the country.
Speaking further, Okoh said the association is worried that the flooding had affected a huge number of people, displaced homes, businesses, farmlands, and worship centres.
Okoh said the proposed committee should consist of Nigerians who will mobilize financial assistance from the public and private sectors to support victims of flooding.
The CAN president also said setting up the presidential committee is necessary, “because diligent intervention by all stakeholders will reduce the burden imposed by the natural disaster”.
He also said there should be more efforts focused on working towards providing permanent solutions to flooding since it has become a yearly issue.
“We must further improve on our warning system, promote flood resilient buildings, construct buildings above flood levels, and increase spending on the construction of flood defences,” he said.
“Our people should be encouraged to embrace planting of trees strategically, while the authorities should stop at nothing to restore rivers to their natural courses and introduce water storage areas.
“Apart from clearing the drainage, the government should also embark on public enlightenment about the responsibilities of citizens, which could help to reduce the impact of flooding.”
