Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed relevant government agencies to immediately identify flood-prone communities and implement intervention measures following recent flooding in parts of the state.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, gave the assurance while speaking at a constituency briefing and empowerment programme organised by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, in Abak Local Government Area.
She said the governor had directed the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (AKSEMA) and the Ministry of Environment to carry out assessments of affected areas, adding that inspections had already been completed and reports submitted.
According to her, the reports indicate that some locations will require desilting of drains and culverts, while illegal structures obstructing natural waterways may have to be demolished to allow for permanent flood control measures.
Senator Eyakenyi blamed persistent flooding in some communities on indiscriminate refuse disposal and the construction of buildings on designated drainage channels and flood plains.
She appealed to residents to complement government efforts by keeping drains and culverts in their neighbourhoods free of waste.
She also stated that the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) is currently desilting culverts and gutters across the state to ensure the free flow of water during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) has attributed the limited impact of Thursday’s heavy rainfall in many parts of Uyo to ongoing investments by the State Government in drainage infrastructure, road construction and flood control projects.
Leading an emergency assessment of affected communities, including the Emmanuel Methodist Cathedral axis on Oron Road, UCCDA Chairman, Anietie Eka, said the volume of rainfall was among the heaviest recorded in recent times but noted that recently constructed and rehabilitated drainage systems helped reduce the severity of flooding.
“The volume of rainfall recorded within a short period was extraordinary. Without the strategic investments of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, in roads, drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation projects, the situation could have been significantly worse,” Eka said.
The UCCDA chairman announced the commencement of a fresh city-wide development control and enforcement exercise aimed at removing illegal structures, shanties and other encroachments on drainage channels, waterways and government rights-of-way.
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