Malami Muhammad Shekare, the General Manager, Kebbi Urban Development Authority (KUDA), on Tuesday said it had expended N33 million on evacuation of drains and clearing of waterways in the state.

Shekare told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi that the exercise was part of efforts to prevent flooding in the state.

He said the authority had engaged over 200 unemployed youths to assist in the evacuation and desilting of drains in major towns in the state.

“The State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, approved N33 million for the exercise, and we engaged the services of unemployed youths in Zuru, Argungu, Birnin Kebbi and Yauri areas to assist in the evacuation and clearing.

“The exercise has so far yielded positive results as we have not witnessed flood in those areas apart from Argungu Local Government Area,’’ the general manager said.

He warned residents against erecting structures on the various drainage systems in the state and waterways, saying it was illegal.

“We will not hesitate to deal decisively with defaulters as we have been sensitising them on the dangers of building structures on the drains,” he said.

Shekare urged residents in the 21 local government areas to evacuate their drains to avoid flooding during the rainy season.

“As part of the measures to avert the flooding, we usually experience in the 11 local government areas, we urge residents to complement the state government’s efforts by evacuating the drains around their premises,’’ he said.