By Israel Adamu, Jos
As part of efforts to combat the effects of climate change, Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, has visited Shendam Local Government Area to assess the extent of flooding that claimed lives and destroyed farmland in the area.
The commissioner, accompanied by the ministry’s permanent secretary and directors, was received by Shendam LGA Chairman, Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, in his office.
Gwom said the visit was prompted by the recent flooding that devastated several communities, noting that it aimed both to assess the damage and to find ways to prevent a recurrence.
He stressed that the effects of climate change could not be overemphasized, warning that the situation was worsening. He expressed condolences to the people of Shendam over the loss of lives, collapsed buildings, and destruction of crops, assuring them that Governor Caleb Mutfwang was committed to coming to their aid.
“The primary objective of this visit is to get first-hand information, determine the extent of destruction, and report back to the governor for necessary action,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr. Nshe appreciated the commissioner’s show of concern and pledged to partner with the ministry in addressing the effects of climate change.
He identified the most affected communities as Shimankar, Menka’at, Kalong, Ungwan Rina, and Ungwan Dadi.
The commissioner and his team later toured the Shimankar and Menka’at communities to inspect the damage, and also paid a courtesy visit to the Long Menka’at, HRH Miskoom Maurice Manu Danjuma III.
