Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has mobilized for an emergency de-silting operation to clear blocked drainage channels along Abak Road, Nkemba Street, Ukana Offot, Ikot Ekpene Road and the Osong Ama axis of Uyo following the torrential rainfall that caused flooding in parts of the capital, Uyo.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo.
The operation, being coordinated by the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), headed by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Environment, and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental and Waste Management Agency and major construction companies in the State.
The agencies are currently on the streets implementing the governor’s directive to address the impact of the flooding and restore proper drainage flow across affected areas.
Eno sympathizes with all residents affected by the flooding and reassures the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The government further assures residents that immediate intervention has commenced in some affected areas, while the implementation of lasting flood mitigation measures is also being considered.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had earlier issued warnings of possible flooding in several states of the federation during the current rainy season. In view of this, the Akwa Ibom State Government called on all residents to complement government efforts by ensuring that drainage channels around their homes and business premises are kept free of refuse and other obstructions to allow the free flow of storm water.
The governor urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse into waterways and drainage channels, as such practices obstruct the free flow of storm water and significantly contribute to flooding. It will take the collective efforts of both the government and the people to effectively address and control this challenge.
Eno stressed that government will remove all structures and properties obstructing waterways and drainage lines, regardless of ownership or the persons involved, in order to ensure the free flow of storm water and protect lives and property.
Eno reiterated his commitment to protecting lives and property and urges citizens to cooperate fully with emergency response agencies as efforts to restore normalcy continue in the affected areas.