A’Ibom Intensifies Flood Control Measures, Inspects Desilting Projects Across Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Government has stepped up efforts to tackle flooding and improve environmental sanitation, with top officials inspecting ongoing desilting and drainage projects in flood-prone areas of the state capital.

Leading the inspection team was the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, as government officials assessed the progress of remedial works aimed at reducing flood risks, preventing disease outbreaks and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

The inspection coincided with the monthly statewide environmental sanitation exercise, providing an opportunity for authorities to monitor compliance and evaluate interventions designed to strengthen drainage infrastructure ahead of the peak of the rainy season.

Speaking during the tour, Senator Eyakenyi, who also chairs the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), sympathised with residents affected by recent flooding incidents and reassured them of the government’s commitment to addressing the challenge.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Joseph Esidem, she said Governor Umo Eno’s administration remains proactive in implementing measures to protect lives and property while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for residents.

The Commissioner for Environment, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, commended residents for their level of compliance with the sanitation exercise but expressed concern over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels.

He noted that blocked drains impede the free flow of water and contribute significantly to flooding, stressing that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility.

Also speaking, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN), said the arrest and prosecution of sanitation offenders would serve as a deterrent, urging residents to support government efforts aimed at sustaining environmental cleanliness.

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Ubuo Ubuo, appealed for continued public cooperation, noting that lasting environmental sustainability requires collective action.

Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Prince Akpan Ikim, who supervised both the sanitation exercise and desilting operations, assured residents of the agency’s commitment to effectively carrying out its mandate.

Similarly, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, praised residents of the state capital for complying with the sanitation directive and commended Governor Eno’s commitment to environmental safety and public health.

A joint enforcement team comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Ibom Community Watch, AKSEPWMA enforcement unit and other security agencies participated in the exercise. Offenders arrested during the sanitation exercise were subsequently arraigned before the sanitation court.

The inspection covered major drainage and desilting projects, including works at Itam Market, the Uyo Flyover and adjoining areas being handled by AMITEC Construction Company; drainage channels along Ikot Ekpene Road linking Akpan Essien, Michael Abraham and Nkemba streets; as well as drainage systems in Nsukara Offot, off Nwaniba Road, the New Ring Road corridor, Shelter Afrique Estate and other strategic locations within Uyo.

The delegation also visited the Magistrate Court on Fulga Street, Uyo, where sanitation offenders were arraigned.