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The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, has called on parents, caregivers, stakeholders, community leaders and the general public to take necessary precautionary measures to protect children and other vulnerable persons amid heavy rainfall across the country.
According to the Ministry, the heavy rains can create serious risks, including flooding, waterlogged areas, open drains, fast-moving water, slippery roads, falling trees and other hazards that may place children at particular risk.
The Ministry is therefore urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and ensure that children are not exposed to dangerous environments, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
Minister Mahoi also called on parents and caregivers to closely monitor children’s movements and discourage them from playing, swimming or gathering around flooded areas, open drainage systems, rivers, streams and other bodies of water.
Children should also be advised not to attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges or waterways, even when the water appears shallow.
“During this heavy rainy period, the safety of our children must remain a collective priority. I am calling on every parent, caregiver, community leader and stakeholder to remain vigilant and take every necessary precaution to protect our children. We must ensure that no child is unnecessarily exposed to situations that could put their lives and well-being at risk,” Minister Mahoi said.
The Ministry is also encouraging communities to look out for children who may become stranded, separated from their families or exposed to unsafe conditions as a result of flooding or heavy rainfall. Community members are encouraged to immediately alert parents, caregivers or relevant authorities whenever a child is found in a potentially dangerous situation.
Schools, childcare centres, community-based organisations, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders are equally encouraged to strengthen child safeguarding measures and provide appropriate safety information to children and families within their communities.
Parents and caregivers are particularly urged to keep children away from electrical hazards, unstable structures, drainage channels and floodwaters, while seeking safe shelter whenever weather conditions become dangerous.
The Ministry reminded the public that child protection is a shared responsibility, urging everyone to play their part in preventing avoidable accidents, protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that children remain safe, supervised and supported throughout the rainy season.
