The Niger State government says it will soon begin the demolition of houses constructed on drainage systems, ahead of this year’s rains to allow for free flow of water.

The commissioner for environment, Umar Nasko, told newsmen inMinna, the state capital, that the decision was taken when the government realised that the several warnings to owners of such buildings were not heeded.

He warned that the state government would not give any other ultimatum to the property owners.

Nasko added that the government has established mobile courts that would prosecute anyone caught throwing refuse into drainsinaccordance with the law.

According to him, the state is also planning to relocated residents of nine resettlement identified to be in flood prone areas and that five basic health centres, educational facilities and police posts would be constructed in the resettlement areas to make life worth living for the people

The commissioner said that Nigeria Meteorological Agency had warned the state against flooding this year and would therefore avert it.

“NIMET (the Nigeria Meteorological Agency) had warned early this year of imminent flood that will accompany rainfall and I want to appeal to the council areas to take proactive measures to reduce the impending disaster,” he said.