Mr. Yakubu Kwanta, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, has urged residents to clear drains in their areas in order to avert flooding.

Kwanta said this on Saturday in Lafia, while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

Flooding from recent heavy rains have wreaked havoc in parts of state with several communities displaced.

The commissioner noted that apart from ensuring a clean and healthy environment, clearing drains of silt and refuse would ensure free flow of water, thereby preventing flooding.

He lauded the compliance level of residents to the sanitation exercise, especially in the urban areas and called for its sustenance.

The commissioner also thanked the Emir of Lafia, Retired Justice Sidi Bage, for his contribution to the success of the exercise in the state capital.

He said that the enforcement team from the ministry would re-strategise towards ensuring full compliance from the people.

Kwanta maintained that the state government would not relent to ensure that citizens live, work and do businesses in clean and healthy environment.

He, therefore, called for the support of all citizens to do their bits as government also lives up to its responsibility.