Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has inspected communities ravaged by flooding and promised to develop a new drainage master plan to tackle the flood menace in the state.
The Uyo metropolis was submerged by flooding a few days ago following torrential rainfall that hit the city, rendering families homeless and making several streets impassable.
Eno, during his inspection of the worst-hit areas, expressed sympathy for residents affected by the flooding and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing lasting flood control measures.
During the inspection, Eno visited drainage systems and flood-prone locations where he had earlier directed contractors to commence immediate desilting and channel-clearance operations to restore the free flow of stormwater.
Speaking with journalists, Eno described the flooding as a natural occurrence but noted that human activities had worsened the situation.
“This is not entirely a man-made disaster, but we have complicated the situation ourselves by blocking natural waterways and drainage channels.”
He urged residents to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and encroachment on water-flow channels.
Eno had earlier inspected the underground drainage system along Ikot Ekpene Road at the Itam Junction axis, where he received briefings from government officials and contractors handling the emergency flood intervention exercise.
He also inspected the Nkemba drainage channel, which was intended to evacuate floodwater from Port Harcourt Street, Uwa Street, and adjoining neighbourhoods.
The inspection continued to the Akpan Essien–Akpan Udosen axis, where desilting operations are ongoing to improve water flow.
At Asung Ama Housing Estate Extension, one of the communities affected by the flooding, Eno sympathised with residents and assured them of immediate government intervention, as well as permanent engineering solutions to the recurring flooding.
He disclosed that the government would review the state’s Drainage Master Plan to align it with current realities and guide future flood-mitigation projects.
“The essence of this inspection is to see things for myself so that our discussions on the Drainage Master Plan will be based on the realities on the ground.
“There are places where buildings have encroached on waterways, making existing drainage channels inadequate.
“We must all learn to keep our waterways clear. Some buildings have been badly affected because they are located on natural water channels. I have directed that discussions be held with the owners.
“Where necessary, the government will revoke the Certificates of Occupancy, pay appropriate compensation, and demolish the affected structures to create adequate drainage corridors.”
Eno commended the Emergency Flood Response Committee, led by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, alongside contractors who have mobilised to clear blocked drains and restore normalcy in affected communities.
He appealed to residents to support government efforts by keeping drainage channels free of refuse, adding that flood prevention requires collective responsibility.
“We will continue to play our part as government, but our people must also do theirs by protecting our drainage channels and maintaining a clean environment.”
Speaking during the inspection, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi appreciated the governor for responding swiftly to the plight of flood victims and for appointing her to chair the emergency response committee.
Eyakenyi explained that following the devastating rainfall of July 9, the committee immediately commenced intervention efforts the following day, adding that emergency measures had already been implemented, while permanent solutions involving reconstruction, demolition, and drainage expansion now await final consideration.
She disclosed that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) were in the process of identifying displaced families with a view to providing temporary shelter and other humanitarian assistance.
A resident of the flooded area, Mr Francis Etim, commended Eno for personally assessing the situation and described the visit as a demonstration of compassionate and responsive leadership.
He also appreciated the chairman of the Environmental Task Force, Prince Ikim, for promptly alerting the governor and closely monitoring developments.
(The Sun)