Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed relevant government agencies to urgently identify flood-prone communities and commence immediate intervention measures following recent flooding recorded in parts of the state.
The governor’s directive was conveyed by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, during 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.
Eyakenyi said Governor Eno had instructed the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (AKSEMA) and the Ministry of Environment to conduct detailed assessments of affected communities in order to determine the most appropriate long-term solutions.
She disclosed that officials have already completed inspections in several impacted locations and submitted their findings to the state government for necessary action.
According to the deputy governor, the reports revealed that some flood-prone areas require immediate desilting of drainage channels and culverts to improve the free flow of stormwater.
She added that permanent flood control measures may also require the demolition of illegal structures obstructing natural waterways and drainage corridors.
Eyakenyi blamed the recurring flooding experienced in several communities on indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage systems as well as the construction of buildings on designated drainage channels and flood plains.
She appealed to residents to support government efforts by ensuring drains, gutters and culverts within their neighbourhoods remain free from refuse and other obstructions.
The deputy governor further disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has intensified its ongoing desilting operations across the state as part of efforts to minimise flooding during the peak of the rainy season.
According to her, the agency is currently clearing blocked gutters and culverts to improve water flow and reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) has attributed the relatively limited impact of Thursday’s torrential rainfall in many parts of Uyo to the state government’s continued investments in drainage infrastructure, road construction and flood mitigation projects.
The Chairman of UCCDA, Anietie Eka, made the observation while leading an emergency assessment tour of affected locations, including the Emmanuel Methodist Cathedral axis along Oron Road.
Eka described the downpour as one of the heaviest rainfall events recorded in the state in recent times.
He noted, however, that newly constructed and rehabilitated drainage systems helped reduce the extent of flooding that would otherwise have affected larger parts of the capital city.
“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 also announced the commencement of a fresh city-wide development control and enforcement exercise.
According to him, the exercise will target illegal buildings, shanties and all forms of encroachment on drainage channels, waterways and government rights-of-way across Uyo.
He explained that the enforcement operation is aimed at protecting existing infrastructure, preventing future flooding and ensuring sustainable urban development within the state capital.
