In the past six years, Akwa Ibom government has spent more than N30 billion in controlling floods and other environmental challenges in the state.
The Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir Charles Udoh stated this while answering questions from journalists after an inspection tour of various erosion sites in Eket metropolis devastated by gully erosion.
”In the past six years, Governor Udom Emmanuel administration has spent over N30 billion on various flood and environment issues. The state government alone cannot handle the issue of flood and erosion. That’s why we seek the support of the federal government and international donor institutions to come to our rescue,’’ Udoh stated.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment in tackling erosion and flood in the state, he said Udom Emmanuel administration has demonstrated commitment in tackling erosion and flood in the state, suing for partnership from federal government and donor agencies to complement state government’s effort in this direction.
The commissioner assured the residents that the team of engineers and technical staff from the Ministry will visit the sites to recommend urgent palliative measures, before implementation of permanent control structures.
Also speaking, Mr. Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said those affected areas are in the heart of the city and advises residents to stop building structures in the waterways while government work on modalities to tackle the issue.
Archibong who was accompanied by Secretary of Eket Local Government Council, Hon. Uso Hanson Isong, Supervisor for Works Hon. Umoh Editi, Supervisor for Education, Hon. Michael Ukpong, also visited erosion sites in Idua Road, Ndon Umana Street, Ediam Road, Mkpok Road and Afia Nsit.
Frank Archibong, Sir Charles Udoh others
