He disclosed that his administration would review the state’s drainage master plan to reflect current realities and guide future flood mitigation projects.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inspected major flood-affected communities and critical drainage channels across Uyo, sympathising with residents impacted by the recent flooding and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to implementing lasting flood control measures.
The inspection followed the governor’s directive for immediate desilting and clearance of blocked drainage channels to restore the free flow of stormwater and reduce the impact of flooding across affected communities.
Addressing journalists during the inspection, Governor Eno described the flooding as largely 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 said, urging residents to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and encroachment on drainage channels.
Governor Eno began the inspection at 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.
A resident of the area, Mr. Francis Etim, commended the governor for personally assessing the situation, describing the visit as a demonstration of compassionate and responsive leadership.
He also appreciated the Chairman of the Environmental Task Force, Prince Ikim, for promptly drawing the government’s attention to the situation and closely monitoring developments.
Eno also visited the Nkemba drainage channel, designed to evacuate stormwater from Port Harcourt Street, Uwa Street and adjoining neighbourhoods, before proceeding to the Akpan Essien–Akpan Udosen axis, where desilting operations are ongoing to improve water flow.
At Osongama Housing Estate Extension, one of the communities worst affected by the flooding, the governor sympathised with residents and assured them of immediate intervention alongside permanent engineering solutions to address the recurring problem.
He disclosed that his administration would review the state’s drainage master plan to reflect 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,” he said.
Governor Eno commended the Emergency Flood Response Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, as well as contractors already mobilised to clear blocked drains and restore normalcy in affected communities.
He also appealed to residents to support the government’s efforts by keeping drainage channels free of refuse, stressing 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,” he said.
Speaking during the inspection, Eyakenyi thanked the governor for responding swiftly to the plight of flood victims and for appointing her to chair the Emergency Flood Response Committee.
She explained that following the devastating rainfall of July 9, the committee commenced intervention efforts on July 10, with emergency measures already underway while permanent solutions involving drainage reconstruction, expansion and the demolition of obstructing structures await implementation.
The deputy governor also disclosed that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) were identifying displaced families to provide temporary shelter and other humanitarian assistance.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Environmental Task Force, Prince Ikim, said Governor Eno had directed contractors to commence desilting of critical drainage channels across the state following weather forecasts predicting heavy rainfall in Akwa Ibom.
He added that response teams had also been deployed to Ibeno, Abak and other flood-prone local government areas to assess the causes of flooding and recommend lasting solutions.
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